FD19-Powell-Horseplay (Download)
Horseplay Horseplay – What is it ? When an individual lacks focus on their current tasks and starts goofing around Engaging in a playful manner that usually disregards safety precautions HORSEPLAY Examples of Horseplay Example of Horseplay in Construction Source : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1T8JfGVo-M&feature=related How is it Reported ? OSHA Reporting Requirements specify that all injuries sustained from horseplay are reported under the injury sustained. There is no ‘horseplay’ category: Example: Two workers were slap-boxing on a roof. One worker stepped off the roof and sustained a fall injury. The injury was then reported as a fall. Injuries Horseplay has become an increasing problem. The ability to film stunts and display them on video sites such as Youtube has increased the display of horseplay. Source : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1T8JfGVo-M&feature=related Fatalities Three deaths investigated by OSHA from 1990 thru 2007 can be linked specifically to horseplay. Fatality Example A worker was standing on a tractor battery box playing with the controls The driver warned the worker to stop ‘horse playing’ and to get off the tractor While playing with the controls the worker put tractor into reverse and lost his balance. The worker was then crushed when he fell underneath the wheel after losing his balance Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Fatality Example A worker was observed “playing” on scaffolding 4’ high He was standing on a cantilevered plank when he lost his balance and fell hitting the cross braces. He suffered fatal internal injuries from the fall Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Fatality Example A worker was elevated approximately 20 feet above the ground on the forks of a forklift He was crushed between a concrete overhang and the load backrest of the lift. According to several eyewitnesses he and his coworker, who was operating the forklift, were “horsing” around when the accident occurred. Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics OSHA Regulations 1926.21 The employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury. OSHA Regulations Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 1900-1926 – OSHA – Appendix A to _ 1910.1450 (g) Horseplay: Avoid practical jokes or other behavior which might confuse, startle or distract another worker (23). Safe Work Practices PPE – Hardhat Safety glasses Hearing protection Work boots or rubber boots Gloves Safe Work Practices Take every task and job serious when working in any environment Stop any obseved horseplay or report it. If the horseplay does not stop, report it to a supervisor. A life might be saved. THINK Safety Work safely