Rob Coppola Senior Account Executive – Construction Insurance Practice Group View Bio

Holiday Safety in the Workplace

Workplace holiday parties can present challenges and liabilities for employers. It’s important that employers proceed with caution, even if the event is virtual.

Consider the following practices:

Evaluate your policies | Employees should have easy access to the employee handbook and policies. These items should make them aware that a holiday party is considered a workplace event, meaning that all behaviors are to be followed with organizational policies in mind. Employers should consider any possible concerns with relevant workplace policies.

Keep holiday celebrations optional | Employees may need to be compensated for their time based on their compensation level. It’s generally best practice that holiday parties aren’t a required event to attend. Additionally, not every employee may feel the same about a holiday celebration, so keep this in mind when requiring attendance. Forcing holiday party attendance can have the opposite effect of what you’re trying to create by having the event.

Keep the celebration general | Employees may feel differently on the appropriateness of observing one holiday over another. As such, it’s best to keep the party general; for example, label the event as a “holiday party” versus a celebration for a specific holiday. This allows people of varying backgrounds and beliefs to feel included. Without generalization, employers risk the potential for a lack of inclusion and belonging.

Set expectations for behaviors | Many holiday parties, including remote events, can host a risk of inappropriate behaviors, especially if alcohol is involved. As an employer, it’s beneficial to reiterate the appropriate and expected behaviors, as well as relevant workplace policies, for the event. Be sure to remind employees that all expectations for the workplace are still enforced at the event.

Holiday Decorations

  • Mixing and matching lights can create a fire hazard; keep outside lights outdoors and inside lights indoors.
  • Discard any light strings that have cracks, exposed wire or loose connections.
  • Do not connect more than three sets of lights to an extension cord.
  • Make sure that cords are not running through a walkway, as it creates a tripping hazard.
  • Do not close doors or windows on extension cords and do not run them under rugs or carpeting.
  • Make sure all indoor decorations are unplugged at the end of the day. You are responsible for unplugging any decorations that you put up.
  • We do not allow any decorations with an open flame, such as candles.
  • Make sure decorations do not block doorways, walkways, exit signs or stairwells.
  • All decorations should be made of flame-retardant or non-combustible materials.

Food Safety

  • If you are bringing in food to share with your co-workers, be sure to observe these safety precautions: Keep perishable food refrigerated and do not leave out for more than two hours.
  • Use serving utensils, even for “finger food,” so that multiple people are not touching it.
  • Label your food, especially if it contains peanuts or other ingredients that others may be allergic to.

Most importantly, always use common sense when bringing decorations or food items into the workplace. We want everyone to enjoy the holiday season, but safety is always our top priority at Lawley.

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Reach out to Lawley today to review your disaster plan and develop procedures that keep your workplace safe and compliant.