Brrr! Ice Bucket Challenges in the Workplace
// Dallas, Texas, United States // Attorney Keith Clouse (Blog) // Keith Clouse
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have likely noticed the wildly successful ice bucket challenge campaign sponsored by the ALS Association. Challenges have been flying left and right--even to co-workers and bosses. Should employers participate in these challenges?
While it’s unlikely that anything truly terrible would happen at a workplace dousing event, if an employer plans a company-supported ice bucket challenge on company property and/or during company work time, it should consider: • Workers’ compensation. A participant could strain muscles lifting a heavy bucket, fall off a ladder, slip on spilled water, or sustain a head injury after being hit with a bucket. • Wage and hour issues. Is the time spent prepping for and participating in the challenge compensable or not? • Property damage. The ice water could ruin carpets and wood flooring. It could also damage employees’ cell phones, jewelry, watches, and business attire. • Privacy. Most participants post videos of themselves on a social media platform. Some employees may not feel comfortable with their images being shared online. • Release from harm. An employer could try to avert potential claims by asking an employee to sign a release form. The employee would certify that he is in good health and that he voluntarily assumes all the risks associated with the event.
This article is presented by the Dallas employment lawyers at Clouse Dunn LLP. To speak to an employment lawyer about a workplace matter, send an email to debra@clousedunn.com or call (214) 239-2705.
Contact Keith Clouse
KEITH A. CLOUSE
Clouse Dunn LLP
214.220.2722 214.220.3833 ( fax) keith@clousedunn.com
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