12/ 01/ 2005
by Jeffrey Moses
"Oh, by gosh, by golly it's time for mistletoe and holly" … and with it comes the season for company holiday parties.
When planning your company's celebration, consider these simple, cost-effective and life-saving safety tips.
- If you want to serve alcoholic beverages, plan well in advance for designated drivers (perhaps ask for volunteers among company employees), dial-a-rides or a company-paid taxi service for those who have imbibed too much.
- Organize a check-in of all employees' car keys at the start of the evening. Only designated drivers and other non-drinkers should receive their keys back when leaving.
- Make sure that non-alcoholic beverages are available.
- Stop serving alcohol several hours before the party ends. Let people know beforehand the exact time this will take place. Those who argue for 'one more drink' are the ones who don't need it.
- Let everyone know in advance about these policies. When employees know that rides will be available, keys must be checked, and the alcohol will stop flowing at a certain time, they'll be more likely to go along with the suggested policies.
- Select or ask managers to volunteer not to drink during the party––and to make sure drinking doesn't get out of hand.
- Reduce the chances of fire by purchasing only fire resistant artificial trees or fresh live trees (not dried-up ones), avoiding extensive use of candles on celebration displays near presents or other combustibles (and never on trees), decorating only with fireproof materials, etc.
- Have at least one person at the party who is skilled in CPR and first aid. If none of your employees have been trained, consider sending several to training before the party.
- Promote safety at all times to your employees through newsletters, bulletin boards, e-mails, etc. Your holiday party is only one event during the year, but accidents can happen any time.
Above all, enjoy the time with your employees and their families as you celebrate the season.
