Horseplay
Introduction
Nearly everyone has heard a practical joker say “This one is going to kill Yaar.” Well, hopefully it never will. However, practical jokes invite danger. The building trades industry, fabrication yard, etc. are 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.
Definition
“Horseplay is a term used to describe a rubbish, meaning less, idiotic and foolish behavior at workplace which often leads to accident or injury.”
“Horseplay is a term used to describe a rubbish, meaning less, idiotic and foolish behavior at workplace which often leads to accident or injury.”
The word “horseplay” came in the 16th century, whereas “Horse” was an adjective describes anything strong, big or coarse. Horseplay means a strong play. This shown the way of young horses play together; they chase each other up and down, play-fight, etc. which can often result in unintentional physical harm. Horseplay is one of the segments of unsafe acts which violates safe working practices.
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.
Remember:
Practical jokers cannot 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.
Accidents are avoidable.
Each time someone is injured, we need to ask ourselves “how did it happen?” Accidents just don’t happen, they are caused. Accidents are usually a result of someone not paying attention or not knowing how to recognize a job (or home or automobile) safety hazard. Jobs with effective safety attitudes have about a fifth as many injuries compared to those without the safety attitude. Today we will discuss some general rules to follow and the four hazard avoidance rules.
General Rules
- Learn the safe way to do your job i.e., safe working practices.
- Don’t jump from one elevation to another.
- Always work under competent supervision i.e. Safety Officer, etc.
- Don’t work under suspended loads.
- Remove protruding nails or bend them over.
- Be a part of education & training.
- Attend Toolbox Talk.
- Keep the work area clear of debris.
- Use the personal protective equipment required for the job.
- Treat all electrical wires as being “live.”
- Ensure 5 ‘S’ / good housekeeping always.
- Use the right tool for the right job.
- Be sure all tools are in good shape.
Four Hazard Avoidance Rules
- Know the safe way to work, and then follow the safe way all the time.
- Maintain safe working conditions – for yourself and others around you.
- Work safely, setting the example, and encourage others to do so.
- Report all accidents and near misses.
Remember to ask yourself if you are following the basic common-sense rules? If you aren’t following them, then take the chance and you will have or cause an accident. Keep asking yourself “how can I make my work safer?” Doing so and you’ll probably not have a serious accident and help prevent a serious accident for a fellow worker.
Additional Discussion:
- Can you think of other examples?
- What are the adverse (bad) consequences of horseplay?
- When is it appropriate to report horseplay to Safety Officer / supervisors?
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