The annual Christmas party is a great chance to get colleagues together and recognise a year’s hard work in the practise with an evening of celebration.

While it’s great to see your staff relaxing and having fun, it’s important you take appropriate measures to ensure the night is remembered for all the right reasons.

Whether you’re having a small private celebration or a larger corporate event, we want you to make the most of the festive season – follow our Christmas party do’s and don’ts.

DO assess any potential risks at the event – there’s a lot of potential for accidents at parties and events but most can be avoided with a bit of forward planning. Check your venue for:

• Slip & trip hazards
• Fire risks
• Condition of the floor
• Good/bad lighting

DON’T forget your responsibilities as an employer – Despite the festive atmosphere, a Christmas party is legally an extension of the working environment even if it’s held offsite and outside working hours. As such, your responsibilities towards staff shouldn’t change, as you could still be liable if something went wrong.

DO ensure you have the right cover. Alcohol fuelled injuries are common around this time of year and if one of your employees manages to injure another party guest, the liability could pass to you. A public liability policy will cover your business against costly legal bills and compensation payments in the unfortunate event that something does go wrong.

DON’T hold the office party in your business premises – especially if you’re planning to serve alcohol. Having your party off-site minimises the potential for property damage, although it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re less liable if someone gets injured.

Unfortunately accidents do happen and they can be costly if you don’t have appropriate insurance in place. For peace of mind this Christmas, get in touch with a member of the Infocus team, or get an online quote with us today.

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