Victoria Police have reported a 28-year-old Werribee woman crashed her car, Monday evening, having spent the afternoon at a work function before deciding to get behind the wheel.
Alarmingly, a preliminary breath test, at the scene, returned a reading of .288
The higher the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of a driver, the higher the risk of vehicle accidents:
- 0.05 BAC – double the risk compared to zero
- 0.08 BAC – 7 times the risk compared to zero BAC
- 0.15 BAC – 25 times the risk compared to zero BAC*
The report is a timely reminder of employers’ duties to manage risks associated with end of year work celebrations.
WorkSafe Queensland guidance includes tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable Christmas party.
- choose a venue that is appropriate for planned activities
- remind staff about workplace policies, including your code of conduct, bullying and sexual harassment policies
- review and communicate your social media policy
- serve alcohol responsibly (this includes ensuring no alcohol is served to underage staff, and limiting or denying alcohol to intoxicated staff)
- ensure managers and senior staff members set a good example and model appropriate behaviours
- provide food and non-alcoholic drinks
- set appropriate start and finish times for the function
- choose a venue with access to public transport or facilitate safe transport options for staff who have been drinking (eg cab-charges, or designated drivers who won’t be drinking alcohol)
- consider appointing a responsible person to monitor the event, and to be a point of contact in the event of anything going wrong tis person should be familiar with workplace safety policies and have the authority to act on any issues that arise)
*p72 AMWU Health and Safety Handbook
Visit our Workplace alcohol policies page for additional information