Posted By Jim Sweetman Now that warmer weather is with us again, so are the ubiquitous barbecues! Not surprisingly I've been approached (again)to ask if someone can organise a barbecue at the workplace - an office building with spacious grounds. As far as I'm concerned, so long as it's under control, fire precautions in place, food properly protected etc they shouldn't go far wrong. However, I would be very interested in experiences others may have had with having barbecues at work. Jim

Posted By Jim Sweetman Helen, Chance would be a fine thing! They do however state that you can bring your reasonable quantities of own supply - management hedge their bets by allowing a 'little' but are not willing to ban alcohol consumption. Jim

Posted By Stuart Nagle Jim. Sorry to put a damper on things.... I recall reading an article (don't ask where as it was at least 18 months ago) about an accident at a poolside BBQ provided and paid for by the employer for employees. At this event there was some (apparently harmless!!) tomfoolery that resulted in an employee (slipping I think) getting injured. As a result his employer was fined for breach of health and safety and then for negligence/damages by the employee. I recall that the verdict went that although it was an out of hours activity, the employer had a duty of care to ensure the H&S of his employees, as it was a work function/activity!! (supplied and paid for by the employer). This may of course have some bearing on BBQ's in respect of: Food alergies Food hygiene and sickness (cooked?) Alcohol availability Employee behavour Safety of venue (risk assessment!!) Drinking/Tiredness and driving (accidents in company or non-company cars!!) Well then that's that...No more BBQ's on the employer eh!!!!!

Posted By Sean Fraser Bill, I tried to email you through the board but it didn't work - I'd be interested in seeing your guidance checklist please. Our company BBQ was actually held on an employee's premises last year - the legal consequences of any accident are shuddering! Please email to: sean_fraser@sgs.com Thanks.

Posted By Eric Burt Unfortunately this is one of those situations where the H&S Officer is stuck between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand we have to advise on the safest and healthiest ways of carrying out activities and on the other hand we must be realistic and not curtail all activities. If you look at barbecues from a risk management point of view, they are a recipe for disaster - partly cooked meat on unhygienic surfaces by someone who has consumed half a gallon of Stella! Another no-win situation is Christmas tree lights (not earthed or double insulated). And dare I mention using hands-free mobile phones while driving, especially after what Lord Woolfe had to say on the subject yesterday. What it's like to be popular eh...! Eric

Posted By lawrence baldwin Jim Notify and liaiase with your Insurance company, they tend not to like surprises Lawrence