Horseplay

While all of us like to have fun, there's no place for horseplay on a construction site. When horse-play gets started on the job, it usually ends up with someone getting injured.

Some Facts

• Employees are subject to prosecution if their horseplay results in a serious injury or death.

• "Clowning around" on the job can create an unsafe work environment for all workers.

• Recklessness is a leading cause of "freak" or senseless accidents on the work site.

• Even though industrial injuries resulting from horseplay are not covered by workers' comp, they could become valid claims if the supervisor/manager condones or encourages horseplay.

It Really Happens

A security guard on a construction site in Santa Clara was making his rounds in a golf cart. A co-worker challenged him to a race and they started down a hill. The golf cart rolled over on a turn, throwing the guard out. He suffered a painful broken pelvis and severe back sprain.

Employer's Role

• Make sure all employees know what the rules of behavior are on your job site.

• Emphasize "zero tolerance" for practical jokes on the job site.

• Let employees know that the time and place for jokes is away from the work area.

Worker's Role

• Do not encourage or provide an audience for 'lookers."

• Never initiate, encourage or participate in horseplay.

• Use common sense. Don't take chances by teasing or making fun of another worker.

Discussing Horseplay

• Are practical jokes ever appropriate on the job?

• Is your safety worth someone elsešs entertainment?

• Have you ever taken a chance on the job to show someone else up? What was the result? Was anyone injured?