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Tips for a safe office holiday party

OSHA Healthcare Connection, December 19, 2006

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Historians say that elements of the modern-day office holiday party have roots in ancient Rome with the Saturnalia. During this year-end feast, bosses and employees-better make that masters and slaves-reversed roles, or, at the very least, did a lot more eating and drinking cheek by jowl.

While OSHA does not necessarily want to play the role of another Roman institution, the Censor, it does offer Nine Tips for Office Celebrations.

1. Be honest with employees. Make sure your employees know that your workplace substance abuse policy applies to office social functions.
2. Post the policy. Use every communication vehicle to make sure your employees know the policy.
3. Reinvent the office party concept. Try something new like an indoor carnival or volunteer activity with a local charity.
4. Make sure employees know when to say when. If you do serve alcohol, make sure employees know that they are expected to act responsibly.
5. Make it the office party of choice. Have plenty of non-alcoholic beverages available.
6. Eat...and be merry! Avoid serving lots of salty, greasy or sweet foods which tend to make people thirsty. Foods rich in starch and protein stay in the stomach longer and slow the absorption of alcohol in the bloodstream.
7. Designate party managers. Remind managers that even at the office party, they may need to implement the company's alcohol and substance abuse policy.
8. Arrange alternative transportation. Encourage all employees to make use of the alternative transportation if they consume any alcohol.
9. Serve none for the road. Stop serving alcohol before the party officially ends

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