TOOLBOX TALK 17/60
TOPIC: HORSEPLAY
OBJECTIVE: TO ENSURE WORKERS UNDERSTAND THE DANGERS OF HORSEPLAY

Horseplay is rough or rowdy play or pranks that occur at the workplace. Horseplay can be activities such as joking that includes physical contact, playing around, racing, grabbing, foolish vehicle operation, social pressure to participate in unsafe acts or unauthorized contests.

• You have probably seen your share of how some people try to get laughs and attention by playing “jokes” on other workers.
• Unfortunately, these people can usually find a few workers, unwise enough to encourage them.
• Remind workers that safety hazards are present every day on our jobs, but that the practical joker just adds one more unnecessary hazard.

Did you know that injuries from horseplay can result in criminal prosecution? Courts have held that these injuries are not just an accident, but a deliberate act.

Some examples of “practical jokes” that have cause injury are:

• Tripping
• Pushing
• Throwing tools or other objects
• A “hot foot” that catches clothing on fire
• Altering someone’s equipment
• Fooling around with air hoses

Questions you can use to get them talking:

• Why does horseplay occur on at the workplace?
• How can horseplay be discouraged?
• Has anyone ever had an accident involving horseplay?

Don’t be reactive, get proactive with HSEC Online®