“Pokémon Go” a WHS hazard

Key Points

• Employers need to be aware of the safety risks posed by their employees playing new Pokémon Go game

• Now is a good time to implement or review your mobile phone policy to ensure it covers the risks posed by playing such games

An Australian logistics company has issued a safety alert to all its sites warning its employees not to play the new Pokémon Go game at work due to the risks it poses to health and safety.

The new game released last week has quickly become a craze. It requires players to use their mobile phones to track down and capture virtual Pokémon’s in real-life locations.

The safety alert warned that employees found playing the game on their mobile phones at work would be disciplined immediately due to the obvious risks it posed by players becoming distracted around hazards and machinery.

NSW Police has also issued warnings about playing the game in and around roads and in dark places at night.

All employers would be wise to review whether their mobile phone policies extend to situations that may arise from the use of phones to play games such as Pokémon Go. If you don’t already have such a policy now would be a good time to consider drafting one. We can help if you need us to.

Post by Sarah Jones