And public servants who kick-on with their colleagues after the work party have also been told they will not be covered under the reformed compensation laws.

Taxpayer-funded compensation claims will only be open to bureaucrats who over-do it this festive season if they end up dead or seriously injured, according to Comcare.

Legislative changes to the public service's compensation scheme enacted by the Abbott government this year has stripped Commonwealth workers of the right to make claims if they hurt themselves while engaging in serious misconduct.

Comcare has advised federal departments and agencies that being drunk or high on non-prescription drugs at a work function will constitute misconduct and void claims unless they are for death or serious injury.

The Canberra Times revealed on Wednesday that departments were refusing to disclose the contents of "risk profile" files they had compiled on the activities of their public servants at officially sanctioned festive celebrations.

The revelations comes amid heightened fears among top public service brass over the dangers of celebrating Christmas at the office.

One department vetoed a plan for staff to play with water pistols at their Christmas bash while another agency told its bureaucrats to go on flex-leave for the duration of their get-together this year, at a Canberra bowling club, to avoid being liable for any injuries or misbehaviour.

In its message to departmental health and safety authorities, Comcare outlines its views on the legal position of public servants who party too hard this Christmas.

"Employees under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs would not be covered as they are taken to be guilty of serious and wilful misconduct," the insurer warned.

"This may also apply to employees who breach the Australian Public Service Code of Conduct or any other relevant guidelines.

Comcare says that workers will be covered when partying at their workplace after hours, if it an officially sanctioned event, but not if they choose to kick-on afterward.

"Under this provision, workers' compensation coverage would not extend from the on-site venue to a venue outside of the place of work if a group of employees decided to continue on," according to the provision.

"Cover for an injury would not exist if the employee was socialising in an area that the employer does not control, such as outside the front of the work premises."

The insurer also back departments who compiled risk assessments and profiles.

"As detailed in section 19 of the WHS Act, employers should always assess the hazards and risks of any proposed function or event," Comcare wrote.

"Alcohol use is a potential risk factor relating to both safety and health.

"Depending on the circumstances, it could potentially be involved in alleged breaches of Sections 19 (employer's duty of care) and 28 (employee's duty of care) of the WHS Act."