Leave the mistletoe is amongst this year’s advice from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) who have joined forces to produce a party checklist for nervous employers.
The checklist includes:
- Check the emergency exits
- Cater for dancing divas – tables and chairs could collapse if used for dancing on
- Guard against food-poisoning – keep fresh party food in a fridge, and don’t leave it out in a hot office all day. Remember to keep fresh and cooked meats separate.
- Extinguish the fire – forget candles, flaming puddings, and smoking
- Abandon the mistletoe: Cases of sexual harassment at parties are often attempted to be excused as ‘a bit of fun’ rather than a serious workplace issue.
Overall it was considered safer to have parties in a hotel or bar, well away from the office.
Frances O’Grady, TUC Deputy General Secretary, said: “There won’t be much Christmas cheer in your workplace if your winter wonderland turns out to be a danger zone. Some simple precautions can make sure your party goes off with a bang, instead of a crash.”
The full checklist is available at: www.worksmart.org.uk/officeparty
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