A recent survey shows the traditional office party remains at the top of employee wish lists. But are your business clients covered if the celebrating turns into a lawsuit or insurance claim?
The survey from OfficeTeam shows the traditional office party tops most employees' wish lists, with more than half (52 per cent) of workers interviewed said their favourite work-related holiday celebration is a company party.
But when you mention the word ‘party,’ that can mean alcohol – and considerable liability for an employer.
“If alcohol is involved the potential for injury increases significantly,” Rick Orr of Orr Insurance & Investment Group told
Insurance Business, when asked about the conviction a year ago involving an office party where a fatal accident occurred in Calgary, Alta. “That may involve having designated drivers. When hiring equipment or third party firms it is imperative to explain to a business client that they request proof of insurance and to review any contracts that may require signing.”
Click here to see the original story.
In that case, 22-year-old Nathan Shair was killed on July 12, 2007 when a lever prematurely activated on the machine, striking him in the back of the head during a Stampede week party hosted by his employer, XI Technologies at the Hotel Arts in Calgary.
The Alberta Court of Appeals upheld that ruling in 2013, concluding the company didn’t do enough to head off predictable hazards posed by the calf roping machine.
“XI Technologies did not do all that was reasonably practicable in the circumstances to avoid the reasonably foreseeable risks, and that the operating procedures had not eliminated the significant risks involved with the ride,” the court’s panel stated in dismissing the company’s appeal. (continued.)
#pb#
And with Christmas party season ramping up, it is important for business clients to ensure they have the proper liability insurance.
“Simply put, with any event, businesses should be protecting themselves from liabilities of others,” says Steve Kee, of the Insurance Bureau of Canada. “Always check with your insurance rep; and when using contracts or agreements, have a lawyer.”
The OfficeTeam survey of office workers was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with more than 260 Canadian workers 18 years of age or older and employed in office environments.
“Many employees look forward to the office holiday party because it offers a chance to unwind with colleagues,” says Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. “These celebrations can also be the perfect opportunity to recognize people for their hard work throughout the year.”
