Christmas cheer a workplace hazard

Being drunk at Christmas functions can have embarrassing consequences but ACC is warning the after effects can be even more dangerous.

Being hungover at work is a workplace hazard and a quarter of all injury claims are alcohol-related, ACC general manager of injury prevention Katie Sadleir said.

"Often the injuries don't happen when the person is intoxicated, but the next day when they're hungover or fatigued. They may not be able to function fully or make good decisions, and that makes them a danger at work and on the roads."

Last year, over 19,000 people received a moderate to serious injury during their Christmas holidays.

ACC, the Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand (ALAC) and the New Zealand Drug Foundation suggested employers develop a robust workplace alcohol and drug programme in consultation with employees and their representatives.

"Of course there's a difference between how to deal with a worker who has an on-going problem with alcohol and someone who's just overdone the Christmas cheer. But the bottom line is that both workers are an injury risk.

"And while employers can't control what their employees do outside of work hours, they can control how they behave at work.

"They can also ensure workers don't overdo it at their own work functions.

"Largely this comes down to being a responsible host; providing non-alcoholic choices, filling and healthy food, and encouraging guests not to drink too much."

-NZPA