THIS PRANK WENT UP IN FLAMES
Most April Fools’ Day jokes are harmless. Making caramel onions (instead of apples) for your family or setting a spider next to your coworkers’ mouse is sure to elicit a few laughs from everyone watching, and only egos are hurt. It’s when the jokes end in ambulance rides, hospital visits, and lawsuits that the situation is no longer a laughing matter.
company cannot be held liable for “frolicsome but reckless conduct” that occurs between employees during employment.
In other words, an employer is not responsible for your injuries if one employee sets you on fire during the course of a prank that isn’t related to your work. However, that doesn’t eliminate the employer’s responsibility should a coworker injure you. Every situation and interpretation of that moment is different. So, if a coworker injures you while doing work-related tasks, your employer is likely going to be liable. They may also be the responsible party if, during the course of your employment, they tolerated or encouraged reckless behavior that could have resulted in an injury. Your employer cannot condone dangerous behavior in one instance and shrug off responsibility later. The interpretation by the courts can be vague, but the lesson here is simple: You have a right to compensation when you’re injured, but perhaps it’s best if you keep your workplace pranks to a minimum — and stay away from fire.
Furthermore, it can complicate who’s liable.
Take the case of Graham vs. Commercial Bodyworks Ltd. In 2015, two employees of Commercial Bodyworks were having some fun when their joke went up in flames — literally. One of the employees set their coworker on fire using a cigarette lighter and a flammable liquid. The person set on fire sustained serious injuries as a result and rightfully sought compensation for their medical bills and pain. However, who was at fault wasn’t clear. The plaintiff sued their employer, Commercial Bodyworks Ltd., for workers’ compensation, claiming that since their injuries occurred on the company’s property, the business was liable. However, the court of appeals didn’t agree. In fact, the court found that the
SHEET PAN CHICKEN DINNER
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You’ve probably heard of a one-pot meal, but how about a one-pan meal? This easy sheet pan dinner comes together in just 30 minutes without dirtying many dishes.
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• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks • 2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks • 1 tsp salt • 1/4 tsp pepper • 2 tbsp canola oil • 1 tbsp soy sauce • 1 tbsp lemon juice • 1 tbsp honey • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper • 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. On a large baking sheet, combine chicken, sweet potatoes, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with oil and toss to coat. 3. Bake for 15 minutes. In the meantime, make the sauce by combining the soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, and cayenne pepper. 4. Remove pan from oven and use a spatula to flip the chicken and potatoes, then add broccoli florets. 5. Drizzle sauce evenly over top and return to the oven to bake for an additional 15 minutes or until chicken has an internal temperature of 165 F and vegetables are fork-tender.
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