| Perception
is not always reality.
First off I must say, neither of the
events mentioned below were operated by
Party Pals…
An event this weekend that an acquaintance
attended reminded me of this: One's perception
of a safe game can be far from reality.
He broke his hand at his company picnic.
Just how may surprise you. It wasn't doing
an activity that requires any special
skills, courage or training. Actually
most "injuries" at company picnics
occur when doing what is perceived to
be innocent game playing... games such
as Horse Shoes, Softball or other "Picnic
Games". Company softball games can
result, and often do, in sprained ankles
and broken or jammed fingers. And some
of these "innocent" games can
be very dangerous when not properly supervised.
As a matter of fact, the "innocent"
activity that broke my friend's hand over
the weekend caused another individual
to lose his hand at a different event
a while back. What is this innocent game?
Tug 'O War... That's right... Tug 'O War.
When not properly played (and supervised
by the way) the game is very dangerous.
If the participant wraps the rope around
his hand it can cause severe damage including,
loss of a hand. No kidding people, one
guy actually lost his hand...The man was
towards the back of his team pile and
couldn't release the rope since it was
wrapped around his hand and under extreme
tension. As the other team continued to
pull... Snap... Sad ending to what was
intended to be a fun event. That's what
can happen when a game or activity is
not properly supervised. I know it sometimes
seems trivial but proper supervision by
your game vendor (as well as their having
proper liability coverage) can save you
and your client an awful lot of money.
Lawsuits are the modern day lottery now...people
are just waiting for an excuse to sue...don't
give it to them. Hire a game rental company
that has properly trained staff and the
full coverage of insurance. Of course,
Party Pals has both...but so do some of
our competitors. Even if you don't use
us, at least call to obtain the proper
questions to ask your game vendor. If
they don't provide or have what you ask,
then use someone else. It will benefit
the entire industry to get rid of the
companies that are less than up to the
task.
On the other hand, no pun intended, I
have heard other people say that they
were worried about using a Rock Climbing
Wall at their event because of "Safety"
concerns. When in reality, it is one of
the safest activates in our inventory.
It’s professionally staffed by trained
personnel using equipment that is professionally
maintained and subject to annual inspections
by the manufacture.
Point being, you just never know. Perception
is not always reality...seemingly simple,
innocuous games, can result in severe
injury. Research your game vendors...make
them supply you with proof of liability,
workman's comp, and vehicle insurance.
Also, make sure they can provide you with
"Additionally Insured" coverage
for you and/or your client. If they can't
move on...you'll be glad you did!
Hiring Party Pals will help make your
event what is should be.... fun and stress
free!
Your Party Pal,
Greg Welker
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