Workers never anticipate the worst case scenario when they pull a prank or set somebody up for a “harmless” joke. They just think of the laughs it will provide. The consequences, however, can quickly lead to tragedy, and then it is too late to turn back the clock.
Some might call workplace horseplay a form of bullying. Others might call it good clean fun that is all a part of a healthy workplace. Either way, workplace horseplay is nothing new. Being bored or stressed out at work is no excuse to play a practical joke on someone. While you may be tempted to complete a gag because the result will entertain you and/or others the law is quite explicit in this matter.
Some examples of horseplay are:
1) Scaring someone;
2) Air hosing someone;
3) Wrestling with someone;
4) Boxing;
5) Goosing;
6) Dropping objects next to someone;
7) Throwing water on someone;
8) Throwing objects or tools at someone; and
9) Placing tacks under someone.
Section 28 of the OHSA covers this type of concern.
Subsection 2(b) — Use or operate any equipment, machine, device or thing or work in a manner that may endanger himself, herself or any other worker,
Subsection 2(c) — Engage in any prank, contest, feat of strength, unnecessary running or rough or boisterous conduct.
Remember, it is the law to abstain from any boisterous play, prank or gag. Here are a few tips to prevent one of these in your workplace:
1) Don’t give the prankster an audience;
2) Look past the humour and recognize the hazard;
3) Don’t participate;
4) Discourage fellow workers from acting up on the job; and
5) Report horseplay to your supervisor.
By the way, in Ontario, number 5 is also the law.
Section 28, subsection 1(d)
A worker shall report to his or her supervisor ANY contravention of this ACT or the regulations or the existence of any hazard of which he or she knows.
So please, consider a prank to be an opportunity for an accident/incident in the workplace. It may not have any effect at all or it can lead to a lifetime condition to you or one of your co-workers.
HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.
Ensure your workplace is a safe place.
Remember — In Ontario, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”
‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Foundation Level
VP & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.
I can not figure out how do I subscribe to your blog.
I do enjoy the way you have presented this particular challenge plus it really does provide us a lot of food for thought. However, from what I have seen, I just simply trust as the opinions pack on that men and women remain on issue and don’t get started upon a soap box associated with the news du jour. Anyway, thank you for this excellent piece and even though I can not necessarily go along with this in totality, I respect your standpoint.
Hello webmaster I like your post ….
Surprise! what an idea !?! What a concept !?! Lovely .. Incredible …
I want to thank you for all the great information you are providing.
Hi! I really like your theme. Did you make it yourself?
Hi, I can’t realize how to add your site in my rss reader. Can you Help me, please? I certainly want to read your future posts.
This is often a great publish for individuals home schoolers to find out, especially individuals thinking about it or simply beginning.
Hurray for the website designer. I love it!
Yeah bookmaking was a no brainer here. Great post!
Excellent work you have accomplished here.
I think this is a great website.
You can keep this up!
I like what you are doing here.
I want to thank you for all the great information you are providing.
Great website here! Also your web site loads up fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my site loaded up as fast as yours. Regards and keep posting things like in The Trouble With Horseplay | HRSGroup – Providing Occupational Health and Safety Training.
Extremely great post. Id like to use some of this information on my weblog if you don’t mind.
Boy, what a nice blog.
You should really think better about naming your page titles. You should consider putting keywords in them so Google will find and rank your post page higher. I am not trying to be an ass but I am just trying to help. For example, what do you think you can improve on The Trouble With Horseplay | HRSGroup – Providing Occupational Health and Safety Training . Again, just trying to help here :) Regards, Jenni
Awesome post.