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County Personnel Recruitment Consultants Limited
53-57 The Parade
Bourne End
Buckinghamshire
SL8 5SB
Tel: 01628 851303
Email
View map
53-57 The Parade
Bourne End
Buckinghamshire
SL8 5SB
Tel: 01628 851303
View map
Created by Jon Davey
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Can I allow my employees to put up Christmas decorations?
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Bah Humbug!
This is a question that many employers ask themselves as we approach the Christmas period. Employees usually expect to decorate their workplace but in recent years the press has reported that several employers have banned their workers from putting up Christmas decorations in their offices for “Health & Safety” reasons, or have required the work to be done by a “qualified” person. It is a complete myth that health and safety law does not allow Christmas decorations in the workplace. You will find that most employers, including HSE and local councils. Manage tp put up their decorations and celebrate the spirit of Christmas without a fuss. There is no need to be a killjoy. You just need to take simple and sensible steps to ensure that the decorations are put up and enjoyed without risk to staff or visitors. These simple steps will include; • providing staff with suitable stepladders to put up decorations rather than expecting them to stand on desks or balance on wheelie chairs; • making sure that decorations are not put up where they will increase risks, for example close to lights or heaters that may increase the risk of fire; • making sure that Christmas trees are sensibly placed – not close to potential sources of ignition and not blocking fire escape routes or exits; • using low voltage decorative lights that are checked and free from obvious defects; • and making sure that trailing cables do not create a tripping hazard. These simple precautions will normally be sufficient. However, because every location is unique a simple risk assessment is advisable. With a little common sense there is no reason at all why staff should not enjoy the festive season at their workplace. ,Br. What about Christmas parties and celebrations? It is commonplace for employers to celebrate the festive season with a party or maybe lunch down the pub. It is a good opportunity to reward staff for their hard work during the year and can also bring people together in a relaxed atmosphere. But do remember a few golden rules; • staff parties are merely an extension to the workplace and so what is said and done by both employer and employees is governed by the same set of rules • make sure that no staff are excluded • where you have young staff then make sure that alcohol is only given to those of a suitable age and then in appropriate quantities • be sure that things stay in control, adventurous use of the photocopier could end in a trip to Casualty! • if celebrations finish late in the evening then consider how people are going to return home • whether lunchtime or evening then consider the use of equipment and vehicles that afternoon or even the following day as staff may still be under the influence of alcohol and endanger themselves and others • oh and if one of your staff tell you where to “stick your job”, best not accept their resignation but instead discuss it with them in days to come when the effects of alcohol have worn off I hope that you have found this helpful and it will allow you and your staff to have a fun and safe time over the festive season. If you do have any issues then it is always advisable to take legal advice before taking any action and Peninsula would be pleased to help you, we are available to advise employers 24/7 and every day of the year so if you have an accident or staff issue then please give me a call. (Courtesy Paul Beard from Peninsula Business Services) For information on Employment Law and Health & Safety contact: peninsula@countyrecruit.com |
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