Safety tips for a supreme office party.

06/09/2007

London office parties are notorious for unfortunate events where staff members get hurt or the office is damaged in some way. Here are some great tips on how to stay safe and have an enjoyable time at your next office party.

The first tip is to consider having your office party out of the office. Try a local hotel, restaurant or bar, which are set up for people to have a merry time.

When putting up any Christmas or New Year decorations make sure it is done safely. Use a stepladder (not a swivel office chair) and ensure there is someone to help if you need it. Ensure that all decorations are hung away from potential fire hazards such as lights, computers and air vents, which should remain unblocked. Keep all emergency information uncovered in case there is someone at the party who is new to the office and may not know the exits yet.

If you use Christmas tree lights to bring that festive feel to your office ensure they are the new modern and safe variety and check that they are turned off before leaving the office every night. This will ensure your office is still there when you come back the next morning.

In 2002 1,000 people were injured by falling Christmas trees so keep the office Christmas tree in a safe place where it can’t be knocked over.

Ensure that there is a level of sensitivity to those staff members from other cultures in your office that don’t celebrate Christmas. There are many Britons who do not celebrate a traditional Christmas and may find being pressured into celebrating it with the rest of the staff quite stressful. This would not be good for the overall office morale.

It is also advisable to leave the mistletoe off the decorations list. Some may see using the mistletoe to have “a bit of fun” with someone who might feel sexually harassed by that fun. If the office party is paid for by the employer then it is an office party and any harassment will be covered by the work rules pertaining to that harassment. This type of behaviour still needs to be promoted as unacceptable regardless of the situation.

When planning the London office party make sure you involve the first-aiders and personnel in charge of safety. These people can help you to spot any problems that might occur during the festivities.

It is also wise to ensure that all staff members attending are aware of the security arrangements for the office building and rooms. Know your emergency escapes and make sure they are not locked. Be aware of where the fire extinguishers are located in the area you are planning to hold the party. And ensure that all staff are aware of the company’s alcohol policy, if there is one. Some companies prohibit alcohol at work so you may need managerial approval or not serve alcohol at all.

The office furniture is not as solid and reliable as pub furniture and desks could be damaged if dancing occurs on top of them. Relegate a special area or “dance floor” if this is part of the plans. Keep the office and its floors clear of clutter and cords to avoid trip ups.

When serving food ensure you follow all normal food safety rules. Keep food in your office fridge to avoid bacteria forming and keep cooked and fresh meat separate. Food poisoning could put a real damper on the beginning of the New Year.

Instead of potential broken glass use paper cups and ensure all drinking is done away from any electrical equipment. If you are short on space move computers and other electrical gear away from the party area.

Like home fire alarms office-building fire alarms are very sensitive to smoke. Keep fireworks, candles, cigarette smoking and flaming Christmas puddings off the office party plan to avoid a call out for the fire brigade.

Ensure there is a safe home transportation plan for all staff especially if you are serving alcohol. Book some taxis for the event or have a place for staff to sleep if the office party is off site. Keep a watch on the personalities that are prone to over consume and may become aggressive or confrontational with other staff members. A fight or unfriendly advance is not in the best interests of a supreme office party.

Keep the merriment alive and the staff having safe fun for a memorable London office party. Whether it’s Christmas, New Year of something else you are celebrating follow the above simple safety tips and you will have a London office party with out the disasters.