In the December 2015 edition of Workplace Issues Magazine, WorkSafe Tasmania highlighted the challenge that upcoming workplace social events can bring in the lead up to Christmas. While two years may have passed, the same challenges apply, so let’s recap some of the main points of the Alcohol + workplace parties article:
- If you provide alcohol at a workplace social event, you need to consider the safety of those who attend. This includes making sure employees are safe once they leave the event.
- Your Tasmanian workplace should have a drug and alcohol policy and it should detail procedures around workplace social events. Just as importantly, make sure your employees know about the details contained in your drug and alcohol policy, specifically details about social events at this time of year.
- Providing education about the dangers of alcohol leading up to this time of the year is a great idea. Let employees know that they are expected to act responsibly at workplace social events and this includes drinking responsibly.
- Make sure you serve non-alcoholic drinks.
- Provide plenty of food, but limit salty, greasy food as this just makes people thirstier. A better idea is to serve foods high in protein and carbohydrates, as these can help slow the absorption of alcohol.
- Consider the need to organise alternative transport, such as taxis and public transport, and encourage people to use these options if they’re planning to drink.
- While it mightn’t be popular, stop serving alcohol before the event finishes. This gives people time to have water or other non-alcoholic drinks and reduce some of the alcohol in their system.
The article also has some excellent details about drug and alcohol policies, which is well worth a read. To see the full article, go to Page 17 at this WorkSafe Tasmania website link.
Alcohol management in your Tasmanian workplace
Integrity Sampling can support you with all aspects of drug and alcohol management, including developing a drug and alcohol policy for your workplace, providing education and conducting workplace drug and alcohol testing. We have two branches in Tasmania, including Hobart and Launceston.
