Firms facing office party headache

Office design news from Morgan Lovell

Published on 19-12-2011

Office interiors and staff Christmas parties can prove to be a dangerous cocktail for employers, according to an industry expert.

Firms have been encouraged to carry out a risk assessment before giving the go-ahead for office parties, with experts warning they are a "legal minefield" for firms.

Sharon Denby, an employers’ liability and personal injury specialist, said: "Unfortunately, injuries like broken wrists, twisted ankles and bruised bottoms are just the tip of the iceberg.

"If an injury like this happens at an office party then the employer could be legally liable. Of course, it’s a tough balancing act because companies really want their staff to have a good time, but in essence they are still responsible for their employees’ actions as an office party is usually considered to be ’work’."

Ms Denby said businesses can avoid future headaches by treating office parties as they do other areas of their business, with risk assessments taking into account such dangers as unlit areas, hazardous decorations and blocked fire exits.

Copyright Press Association 2011