Christmas cheer a workplace hazard

Last updated 13:00 10/12/2008

Relevant offers

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

Ad Feedback
Special offers
Opinion poll

Are you going on a New Year detox?

Yes and so far, so good

I tried to!

No, waste of time

I don't need to

Vote Result

Related story: Booze-free month 'waste of time' - expert

Featured Promotions

Sponsored Content

Moata

Moata's Blog Idle

A Sheep's Show

Voyages blog pointer small

Blog: US/NZ - a cultural conversation

The changing ways we keep in touch

Omnivore blog pointer small

The Omnivore: Jeremy Taylor on food

Alex James - what are you playing at?

Greer wedding blog pointer small

Ready or Knot: Greer's getting married

Surprise! We're married!

Crazy Chic blog pointer small

Crazy Chic: Bronwyn Williams' fashion ride

Footwear: the best contraceptive

Drivetalk small pointer Feb2011

Drivetalk: Dave Moore's blog on cars and driving

Bikers and drivers - pull yourselves together

Car Club small pointer

The Car Club blog: Powered by Autocar NZ

Time for the electric vehicle is not nigh

Horoscopes

What do the stars have in store for you today?

Sudoku

Rev up your mind with our numbers game

Crossword

Test your knowledge with our daily crossword

Send us your pet pics

Email yourpics@stuff.co.nz