Now that the office party season has arrived, it wouldn’t be Christmas without an overly bureaucratic body trying to spoil everyone’s fun. And to oblige us this year are the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), and the TUC.

They have joined forces to produce a checklist on how to avoid staff injuries, breakages, fires, food poisoning, and worse! The first piece of advice is that it is wiser to hold the Christmas do at a venue specifically designed for such occasions such as a hotel or bar. For those who can’t resist the comic potential of alcohol and a photocopier and decide to have an office-based celebration, the checklist is designed to guide them through the various pitfalls.

RoSPA Occupational Safety Adviser, Roger Bibbings, said:

“We are not being party poopers. Some sensible safety precautions will allow people to have a great office celebration without having to call in the emergency services. Following these guidelines should ensure peace at work, and good times for all staff.”

Some of the guide’s standout recommendations include:

• Office furniture isn’t designed to be as sturdy as the furniture in your local pub, so dancing on desks could do them and you a lot of damage. Likewise, the boardroom table is meant for weighty documents, not overweight executives.


• It might be best to leave out the mistletoe (and not just because the berries are poisonous). Cases of sexual harassment at parties are often attempted to be excused as a ‘bit of fun’ rather than a serious workplace issue.

TUC Deputy General Secretary, Frances O’Grady, added:

“There won’t be much Christmas cheer in your workplace if your winter wonderland turns out to be a danger zone. Some simple precautions can make sure your party goes off with a bang, rather than a crash.”