Horseplay in the Workplace

Workplace horseplay poses serious safety risks, requiring clear policies, education, and leadership to prevent injuries and liabilities.

• By Jeremy R. Abbott
• Jan 10, 2025

When it comes to workplace safety, there is one recurring issue that often flies under the radar: horseplay in the workplace. While it may seem harmless or even a way to boost morale, horseplay can quickly escalate into serious injuries, OSHA-recordable incidents and significant liability for the organization. It’s an issue that requires attention, education and a firm stance from leadership.

The Reality of Workplace Horseplay

Horseplay, by definition, involves rough or boisterous play that distracts workers and creates unsafe conditions. This behavior often stems from employees feeling overly comfortable in their environment or failing to grasp the serious implications of their actions. While workplace camaraderie is essential, there’s a fine line between friendly interactions and unsafe behavior.

OSHA does not have a specific regulation addressing horseplay, but the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 requires employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. When horseplay results in an injury, it becomes a reportable incident under OSHA guidelines if it meets the criteria for recordability, including requiring medical treatment beyond first aid, loss of consciousness, days away from work, restricted work or job transfer.

Common Injuries Resulting from Horseplay

The types of injuries associated with horseplay vary but can include:

• Slips, trips and falls. Running, pushing or engaging in roughhousing often leads to falls that result in sprains, fractures or worse.
• Struck-by incidents. Throwing objects or using equipment inappropriately can cause serious injuries to bystanders.
• Musculoskeletal injuries. Wrestling or other physical horseplay can cause strains or more severe injuries like herniated discs.

The consequences aren’t limited to physical harm. These incidents can also lead to increased workers’ compensation claims, OSHA inspections and potential legal action against the organization.

Best Practices for Preventing Horseplay

Preventing horseplay requires a combination of clear policies, consistent training and strong leadership. Here are strategies that have proven effective in addressing this issue:

• Integrate horseplay prevention into safety training. Employees must understand that safety isn’t just about following rules; it’s about protecting themselves and their coworkers. Incorporate discussions about horseplay into regular safety meetings and training sessions. Use real-life examples to drive home the message that what may seem like a joke can have serious consequences.

• Foster a culture of accountability. Encourage employees to take ownership of their behavior and hold one another accountable. This can be achieved through peer-to-peer safety observations or by empowering team leaders to address unsafe behaviors immediately. When workers see safety as a shared responsibility, they’re less likely to engage in or tolerate horseplay.

• Leverage incident data for education. If horseplay-related incidents have occurred in the past, use them as learning opportunities. Share anonymized data about the nature of the incidents, the injuries sustained and the resulting consequences. This transparency reinforces the importance of maintaining a professional and safety-focused workplace.

The Role of Leadership

Leadership sets the tone for workplace behavior. When managers and supervisors model professionalism and prioritize safety, employees are more likely to follow suit. On the other hand, if leadership dismisses horseplay as harmless fun, it sends a message that safety takes a backseat to entertainment.

Leaders must also be proactive in addressing horseplay. For example, if an incident occurs, the response should be swift and consistent with the company’s policies. Employees should see that management takes these issues seriously and prioritizes the well-being of everyone on the team.

Final Thoughts

Horseplay in the workplace is more than just an annoyance. It’s a safety hazard with far-reaching implications. Safety professionals have a duty to educate employees and leadership about the risks and to implement strategies that prevent unsafe behavior. Fostering a culture that prioritizes safety over antics not only protects workers but also safeguards the organization from unnecessary liabilities.

Remember, a moment of laughter is never worth a lifetime of regret. Let’s work together to ensure that safety always comes first.