One of the most important things employers can do during the Christmas period is making sure employees stay safe.
Whether it’s employing temporary inexperienced skeleton staff to cover full time employees over Christmas, or planning for the end of year work Christmas function, employers continue to owe all employees a duty of care to keep employees safe.
This can mean encouraging employees to drink responsibly at the end of year party, or reminding employees to finish off their last shift injury free, when their minds may be thinking about the ensuing Christmas holiday.
Before the Christmas break, employees can often rush to get things done. This can result in lack of concentration, which could lead to mistakes and result in an injury.
WorkCover statistics show there is actually a spike in injury claims over the Christmas period. Employees are often injured in simple but preventable accidents, like falling off ladders or slipping with power tools.
Temporary or casual employees who work over the Christmas period should be given proper safety inductions like any other employee, even though they may be employed for a specific purpose and over a relatively short period of time.
Employers also need to make sure their employees understand what behaviour and conduct is acceptable at work functions and that there are repercussions for misconduct. Implementing proper company policies around company celebrations can ensure all employees enjoy themselves without fear of harassment or bullying.
Employers sometimes forget that they are responsible for the conduct of their employees at work related events, not only at Christmas parties but at seminars, conferences, off site training days and other work functions.
If you are injured at a Christmas function you can lodge a claim for workers compensation. For free no obligation advice on where you stand you can contact us on 1300 302 138 or make an online enquiry from our website.
