The U.S. Department of Labor's Working Partners for an Alcohol-and Drug-Free Workplace program is encouraging employers to take steps during the holiday season and all year round to prevent impaired driving and send their employees a safe and sober message about workplace parties and drinking.

On its Working Partners website, the DOL explains the ways that employers can minimize the potential repercussions of alcohol consumption, including tips for planning workplace celebrations. The site also includes information about holiday-season and year-round impaired driving prevention initiatives; alcohol traffic safety facts; myths and facts about alcohol and driving; and state-specific information about laws on driving under the influence and driving while intoxicated.

For example, on the "Impaired Driving" page, the DOL comments that "opinions vary regarding the appropriateness of making alcoholic beverages available at office parties or other company-sponsored events. Ignoring the possibility that some employees or guests may drive home 'under the influence' invites trouble." Such trouble can include legal liabilities for the results of alcohol consumption.

The DOL explains: "Improper use of alcohol may expose employers to liability under tort, workers' compensation or other laws. For example, an employer may be held liable if a person consumes alcoholic beverages at a company-sponsored party and subsequently causes a crash. Some employers have been held liable because negligent acts by employees under the influence of alcohol consumed at employer-sponsored events were found to be within the scope of their employment. In other cases, individuals have been held liable merely because they provided alcohol to social guests."

Readers may like to compare this advice with the comparable guidance being given to employers in the UK, where other kinds of liabilities can arise.

...back to 1 December 2005

Further information:
Department of Labor Encourages Employers to Adopt A Safe and Sober Approach to Workplace Parties this Holiday Season
Working Partners
Impaired Driving
Impaired Driving

Discuss this news item in the PayPerShop Forum