NSW Fair Trading and SafeWork NSW have joined forces to remind workers and employers of their rights and obligations when booking and holding work functions.
NSW Fair Trading and SafeWork NSW decided to join forces as most businesses would be preparing for end of year celebrations. NSW Fair Trading Commissioner, Rod Stowe, stated in NSW Fair Trading’s media release that in recent years unscrupulous party venue operators have taken money from businesses with no intention of delivering services.
“Every year, Fair Trading receives reports of dodgy operators taking deposits for work parties which are not delivered. In one case, work mates were left on the dock waiting for a harbour cruise that never turned up.”
Stowe also provided tips for business owners to prevent similar situations from happening to them when booking and holding a work function, which included: never depositing cash directly into an operator’s bank account, always reading the fine print before making an agreements and make sure arrangements are confirmed in writing.
SafeWork NSW Executive Director, Peter Dunphy, emphasised that the health and safety responsibilities of employers are the same at work functions as they are in the workplace.
“End of year celebrations are an excellent opportunity for workers to socialise with their colleagues and celebrate the achievements of the past year.
“However employers are reminded that they are still responsible for the health and safety of workers at these events.”
Dunphy also provided tips for business owners to ensure that the healthy and safety of workers are maintained at end of year events, which included: making sure plenty of non-alcoholic drinks and food are available if alcohol is being served, encouraging workers to look out for each other, having clear start and finish times, and having transport options available.
NSW Fair Trading’s media release can be read in full here.
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