Horseplay in the Workplace

Every workplace grapples with one issue that may seem harmless but poses serious safety risks: horseplay. In today’s post, I explore how this behavior—often dismissed as camaraderie or morale-building—can quickly escalate into injuries, OSHA-recordable incidents, and organizational liability.

In my article for Occupational Health & Safety, I discuss:

• Why seemingly playful behavior becomes dangerous in workplace environments.
• How incidents involving horseplay can trigger reporting under OSHA’s General Duty Clause.
• Practical strategies employers can use to prevent it: clear policies, leadership accountability, and safety culture reinforcement.

If you’ve ever wondered how a joke or idle behavior could lead to a serious injury—or worse—this article is for you.

Read the full article here:
Horseplay in the Workplace — OH&S (Jan 10, 2025)

Author

Jeremy R. Abbott is a safety and occupational health professional with more than two decades of experience in workplace safety, risk management, and employee well-being. His work focuses on creating practical, sustainable safety programs that protect people in diverse environments, including military healthcare facilities.