As the World Cup continues, many colleagues will be planning to stay up late and enjoy the matches with family and friends. While we hope everyone has a great time, we would like to remind all employees to think carefully about their alcohol consumption and how it may affect them the following morning.

Here are some tips to help everyone enjoy the World Cup safely:

• Alcohol affects judgement and performance Alcohol can remain in the body long after they have stopped drinking. Depending on how much has been consumed, it is possible to still be over the legal drink-drive limit the next day, even if you feel fit to drive. Please take the time to plan ahead if you intend to drink alcohol. Consider alternative travel arrangements, allow sufficient time before driving, and remember that a good night’s sleep, coffee, or a shower will not speed up the removal of alcohol from your system. The consequences of driving or operating equipment while over the limit can be severe, affecting not only your own safety but also that of your passengers, colleagues, and other road users. It can also result in prosecution, loss of licence, fines, and impact your employment.

• Fatigue is a safety risk late-night and early-morning kick-offs can disrupt normal sleep patterns. Fatigue reduces concentration, slows reaction times, and can significantly increase the likelihood of incidents. Plan your viewing sensibly – limit consecutive late nights and ensure adequate rest before your next shift. Plan meeting times accordingly.

• Make safe choices around travel and work whether commuting or operating equipment, never underestimate the combined effects of tiredness and alcohol. If you feel unfit, speak up early – adjustments are far safer than taking risks. Look out for colleagues too; a quick check-in can prevent a serious incident.

• Look after yourself and your colleagues, stay hydrated, eat properly, and take breaks where needed. We all have a role in keeping ourselves and each other safe – on and off the job.

We encourage everyone to enjoy the match responsibly and ensure they are fit and legal to drive before getting behind the wheel.

Please share the poster on the UK News download page: here on all workplace notice boards.

Thank you for helping us keep our roads, workplaces, and communities safe.