Safety During Company Special Events
- Ambrosio Constantino
- May 6
- 2 min read
Over the weekend, while assisting with another organization’s youth camp, I was responsible for safety. The safety briefing, delivered by one of the organizers, emphasized the "battle buddy" system: participants were to remain with their assigned buddy at all times, whether swimming, going to the restroom, or returning to their tents. During water activities, weak and non-swimmers were instructed to stay within chest-deep water and avoid the reef area.
Operationally, several safety measures were in place. Each individual wore a wristband, allowing for quick identification of event staff, parents, and participating children, thus distinguishing them from outsiders. Additional precautions included insurance coverage, an established first aid station, and certified lifeguards supervising all water activities.
On three occasions, we had to enforce our rules with individuals not affiliated with our group. Twice, we warned young boys who were approaching the reef to stop. We recognized the potential danger and the risk lifeguards would face in a reef rescue. Another incident involved children entering our designated area and attempting to climb a steep hill. They immediately complied when asked to come down. Although these children were not part of our event, our lifeguards and staff would have responded in case of an emergency.
This experience prompted me to consider company events held outside the workplace. OSHA generally considers workplace functions as work activities. Consequently, if an employee is injured during such an event, worker’s compensation may apply. Furthermore, injuries sustained at these events can impact workplace productivity the following day.
Consider a company party where alcohol is served. To manage risks, different colored wristbands could be used to identify those under the legal drinking age. Designated drivers could be assigned, or the numbers for local taxi services could be readily available for those who become intoxicated. Venue staff could be instructed to refuse alcohol service to individuals they deem to have had too much to drink. This aligns with the 11th Guam Code Annotated, Chapter 3, § 3418, which states, "A licensee shall not sell or give nor permit to be sold or given any alcoholic beverages to any habitual or common drunkard or obviously intoxicated person.” An analysis might even suggest not serving alcohol at company events altogether as a preventative measure.
Similar to the nonprofit event, clearly communicating safety requirements upfront is crucial. Effective communication is the cornerstone of any safety program. At the youth camp, both campers and staff were informed about who to contact in case of injury, the location of the first aid station, and the capabilities of the medical personnel. For company parties, hosts can emphasize having fun responsibly, encouraging attendees to look out for each other, promoting moderate alcohol consumption, and providing clear instructions on how to report any issues.
In summary, when a company hosts an event outside the regular work area and outside normal working hours, it retains the responsibility for the safety of its employees, and employees have a corresponding duty to adhere to company rules. Importantly, policies regarding workplace violence and harassment remain in effect, even during social events.
By:
Ambrosio Constantino
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