Tis the season to be jolly careful at the office party
Lawyer warns Xmas revellers on booze risks
While the annual knees-up provides the perfect opportunity for employees to celebrate the end of a long year, it can also be a legal minefield for employers, especially when alcohol is involved.
One law expert said bosses are sometimes not aware the event is an extension of the workplace.
Cork-based solicitor David Gaffney told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “This is something people sometimes tend to forget.
“If an office Christmas party takes place within working hours, or outside of working hours, in the office or away from the office, it is still considered an extension of the working environment.”
Employers are well aware that accidents or incidents in the workplace can result in litigation but they may not realise the same laws exist at the party.
Mr Gaffney warned: “People have to have manners on them, they are aware of
I have dealt with a top manager who was forced to quit after a worker took a case against him DAVID GAFFNEY YESTERDAY
this at work but often they let their guard down when they have too much drink taken. “Alcohol can adversely affect a person’s judgment at every level of an organisation. I have dealt with a top manager who was forced to resign after an employee took a case against him following an incident at a Christmas party.” Mr Gaffney also revealed many companies have clamped down on offering free bars at their parties as they are a “recipe for disaster”. He said: The majority of issues that arise from workplace parties happen after alcohol is consumed. Basically the employer is facilitating the employee in getting drunk. “A lot of employers have stopped having staff parties because of issues that have arisen in the past that led to a claim of sexual harassment, personal injury or a fight that broke out after too much alcohol.” news@irishmirror.ie