Hidden dangers of the annual office party

04/07/2008

Christmas – that time of the year when party season kicks in and workers in offices around the world begin to let their hair down. But with a huge surge in accidents and emergencies at Yuletide, health officials are warning party-goers this time round to take more care.

In 2006, a 17 year-old diver from Greater Manchester, Luke Molnar, was electrocuted in the tropical paradise of Tokoriki, Fiji, when he touched a metal washing line that had come into contact with a metal cable powering lights for a staff Christmas party.

And while tragic accidents like that can rarely be avoided, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) believes that easily preventable injuries at office parties are on the rise – they appealed in 2004 for workers to stop dancing on desks.

Police in Edinburgh are already planning for this year’s celebrations – they will be out in force to ensure revellers have a good – and safe – time. Special transport marshals at key taxi ranks in the city centre will make sure people get home safely after a night of drinking and partying.

They’ll also be increasing their presence in the city centre to ensure that people enjoy themselves carefully and responsibly in 2008.