The Insurance Survival Guide – What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
Ah, the Christmas party. At RSM Tasmania, we enjoy ours too!
That magical end-of-year tradition where workplaces everywhere decide it’s a great idea to mix alcohol, dancing, speeches, and people who normally communicate only via email.
What could possibly go wrong?
Well… quite a lot, actually. And that’s exactly why we provide the Small Business Insurance Tasmania needs for such situations.
It matters just as much at the Christmas party as it does during normal business hours.
Let’s take a light-hearted (but very real) look at the festive risks many businesses don’t think about until it’s too late.
🎄 Alcohol + Good Intentions = Risk
Even the most sensible team can turn unpredictable after a couple of drinks. Common Christmas party claims include:
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- Slips, trips and falls
- Accidental injuries on dance floors
- Over-enthusiastic karaoke-related mishaps
- Arguments that escalate faster than the dessert table empties
If alcohol is involved, employers still have a duty of care to staff — even at off-site venues.
🎄 Public Liability Isn’t Just for “Business Hours”
If your Christmas party is held at your workplace, or organised by your business at another venue, public liability insurance may come into play if:
A guest is injured
Someone damages the venue
Property is accidentally damaged
Even when a venue has its own insurance, responsibility can still get blurry — and expensive — very quickly.
🎄 When the Party Moves Somewhere Else
You know the moment.
Someone says, “Let’s just head to one more place…”
Once the official event ends, things can get tricky. While businesses aren’t responsible for everything that happens after hours, poor planning or lack of boundaries can still lead to uncomfortable conversations later.
Clear start and finish times aren’t boring — they’re smart.
🎄 Transport, Travel & Taxis
Encouraging safe transport isn’t just good manners — it’s good risk management.
Consider:
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- Taxi vouchers
- Clear reminders not to drive
- Finishing earlier rather than later
Because nothing ruins the festive spirit like paperwork and regret.
🎄 Workers’ Compensation Doesn’t Automatically Clock Off
In some situations, injuries that occur at work-organised social events may still be considered work-related.
That means workers’ compensation and liability can still apply — particularly if attendance was expected, encouraged, or clearly connected to employment.
🎄 Plan the Fun… and the Safety
The good news?
You don’t have to cancel Christmas parties or replace them with awkward morning teas.
A little planning goes a long way:
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- Choose appropriate venues
- Set expectations early
- Limit alcohol service
- Make safety part of the plan
And most importantly — review your insurance before the event.
🎄 Celebrate Smart, Not Sorry
Christmas parties should be remembered for laughs, not claims.
If you’d like to check your cover before the festive season kicks off, RSM Tasmania is here to help you enjoy the celebrations with confidence — and fewer “remember when…” stories.
You can find more great information if you check out this link: https://business.gov.au/news/how-to-have-a-safe-and-happy-work-party
Remember, this article is general in nature and doesn’t take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. For advice tailored to your circumstances, have a chat with us at RSM Tasmania Insurance Brokers Hobart.
Talk to Roger Hosie and stay ahead with RSM Tasmania’s insights.
Call Now! (03) 6244 7854, or email .
