06 Apr Horseplay

Horseplay

Introduction: Nearly everyone has heard a practical joker say “This one is gonna kill ya.” Well, hopefully it never will. However, practical jokes invite danger. The building trades industry is potentially dangerous and anything that unnecessarily increases the chance of an injury must be eliminated. Horseplay benefits no one and usually only builds up resentment and fosters retaliation. Practical jokes should be discouraged.  At some point, if they continue they need to be reported.

Guide for Discussion

• Examples of Horseplay
• Scaring someone.
• Air hosing someone.
• Wrestling with someone.
• Boxing.
• Goosing.
• Dropping objects next to someone.
• Throwing water on someone.
• Throwing objects or tools at someone.
• Placing tacks under someone.

Additional Discussion Notes:

Can you think of other examples?

What are the adverse (bad) consequences of horseplay? When is it appropriate to report horseplay to supervisors?

Remember: Practical jokers can not guarantee the success of their jokes. They can guarantee that they increase the chance of an accident occurring. Imagine a joke that backfires, resulting in an injury or death to a co-worker. Do you want any part of that? It’s easy enough to get hurt on the job as it is. Let’s not increase anyone’s chances.

NOTE: Always promote a discussion on any of the topics covered in the Tool Box Talks. Should any question arise that you cannot answer, don’t hesitate to contact your Employer.