We all know the dangers of drinking and driving and we are now aware of our responsibilities and duty of care at work's social functions.
But during the season of goodwill and cheer, what are the effects on those working the next day? How do we take this into consideration in our risk assessments?
Evidence shows that certain skills are still "impaired" when the Blood Alcohol Concentration is as low as 20mg/ml. That is pretty low, considering the drink driving limit in the UK is 80mg/ml. There is also evidence to show that the following day, be it that alcohol is still in the system or through hangover, judgement can be quite seriously impaired.
This means that an update to general risk assessments is advised for the day after the night out or alternatively volunteers recruited for carrying out tasks that might be considered more dangerous. These would include, wood processing machinery, cutting tools, electrical equipment, heating or burning tools, e.g. blow torches, welding tools, any working at heights, machinery with guards, machinery with exposed moving parts and of course the company cars.
The easier solution might be to hold the night out prior to days off, e.g. Friday or Saturday nights, however, be sure to cancel any weekend working and be aware that many venues charge a little extra for those weekend slots. Alternatively, have a team building day the next day, or cleaning day ensuring that the tasks being completed are risk free.
Don't be a kill joy, but take care!
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