Workplace horseplay can cause serious issues for both employees and the employee’s organization.

If you’re looking for key talking points when educating staff of the dangers, consider Chris Kilbourne’s suggestions:

Workplace Rules Ban Horseplay Because It’s Dangerous

Horseplay is usually a friendly, physical way to play around. But that type of fooling around is dangerous on the job because:

• When you’re fooling around, you’re not concentrating on your work.
• Directing your horseplay at others is even more dangerous. They’re not expecting the distraction and could easily have an accident such as falling into a moving machine part, slipping on the floor, or dropping a tool.
• Giving less than full concentration and attention to safety procedures makes you less likely to notice or account for hazards until it may be too late.
• Most accidents are caused by unsafe acts—and horseplay itself is an unsafe act.

Workplace Horseplay Creates Unnecessary Risks

You can prevent most workplace accidents by being alert to hazards and following safety rules. You can’t do either when you indulge in horseplay. Some examples:

• Running, chasing, or pushing can cause slips, trips, falls, and other accidents
• Throwing tools is a frequent cause of injuries.
• Fooling around with PPE can damage it and expose you or another worker to a hazardous substance.
• Speeding or stunt driving with a forklift can cause it to tip over or hit people or objects, possibly injuring the driver or pedestrians.
• Climbing on or under forklift forks or moving crane parts can cause you to get crushed or pushed. It’s against the law.
• Running with a hand truck could spill the load on someone or run over feet.
• Pushing, teasing, or otherwise distracting people working with machinery could cause pinch point or other injuries.

Have the “talk” today to prevent the injuries of tomorrow!