All in Fun

Words: Zach EverettThere's nothing wrong with a little fun at work, but it's important to know the difference between having fun and at-risk behavior to place yourself or a coworker in harms way. The following story from The Daily Reporter in Milwaukee illustrates the point:

A man who was crushed by a refrigerator Tuesday was goofing around with co-workers who pushed the appliance from a fourth-floor porch, according to the Milwaukee medical examiner's report. The dead man was identified as Rafa Chmura, 33. According to the report, Chmura and 11 others were cleaning and rehabilitating the Campus Community Apartments, when the accident occurred. Chmura was at ground level. The two men who tossed the refrigerator, according to the report, said they called down to Chmura, who jokingly responded, ""Go ahead, I'll catch it."" At about the same time, the boss called Chmura's cell phone. His cell phone was broken in the mishap. ""He might have answered the cell phone,"" according to the report, ""at which time the 170 pound refrigerator was coming over the edge.""

When the co-workers saw Chmura on the ground they at first thought he was joking, but, realizing he had been hurt, they called 911, according to the report. Chmura suffered severe trauma to the back of his head. Chmura is survived by a wife and two school-age children.

Several things are in play with this tragic death:

Horseplay: Joking around with a coworker isn't a bad thing in and of itself, but if there is an element of danger - ANY hazard about it at all - then we can not do it. In our masonry industry, there is too many things that can go wrong.

Distraction: It appears the victim was distracted by a phone call. Keep communication at all times and don't assume ANYTHING.

Each year there are several deaths caused by such ""fun"" in the workplace. Ensure you or your coworker isn't the next headline in the newspaper.
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