In one recent case, an African-American employee sued for racial harassment. The culprit: A rap CD played loudly by a co-worker.

The co-worker would often listen to the music and sing along — including a bevy of racial slurs — within the employee’s earshot. He told his boss and co-worker the language was offense, but the music never stopped.

He took the company to court and won a $168,000 settlement.

Offensive music at work

It isn’t always direct confrontation between two employees that can lead to harassment or discrimination suits. Companies have been hit hard over the presence of music, jokes, posters or other media that employees found offensive.

The key for employers: Take action when employees complain. Even if the supervisor doesn’t understand why the employee’s offended, a court might.

Cite: EEOC v. Novellus Sys. Inc.