HORSEPLAY PREVENTION POLICY
Date of Re-Issue:
Next Revise / Review Date:
Originally Issued:
Approved by:
August 28, 2014
September 1, 2015
October 26, 2010
Pamela Mullin, CFO
PURPOSE
KBD Management prohibits the use of irresponsible behaviour such as horseplay (and other
unsafe actions such as scuffling, fighting, etc.) which creates an adverse effect on safety and the
well-being of others.
DEFINITION
Horseplay at work is defined as rough or boisterous play or pranks that occur at the workplace.
Horseplay may include activities such as joking using physical contact, playing around, racing,
grabbing, foolish vehicle operation, social pressure to participate in unsafe acts, harassment,
and/or unauthorized contests.
SCOPE
The horseplay prevention policy applies to all KBD employees and Owner/Operators. Playing
jokes and having fun with co-workers may break up the day and make work more interesting,
but it can also lead to serious injuries and sometimes be deadly.
RISKS
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Horseplay is a safety hazard when it is difficult for an employee to pay attention to
safety and the job in general because they are on the lookout for the next unforeseen
horseplay or practical joke;
Horseplay is a safety hazard and may result in an accident or injury. For example,
playing with the compressed air in the shop could result in the following:
o A blast of air under 40 psi (pounds per square inch) of pressure from 4 inches
away can rupture bowels or eardrums and cause brain damage;
o As little as 12 psi can pop an eyeball from its’ socket;
o Air can enter the navel, even through a layer of clothing, and inflate and rupture
the intestines;
o If directed at the mouth, compressed air can rupture the lungs;
Liability may become an issue if someone is hurt as a result of horseplay or a practical
joke. The horseplay perpetrator may be liable for damages and also risks losing their
job;
Humiliation, embarrassment, anger, distrust, and a desire for revenge can result from
horseplay and practical jokes, even when they aren’t dangerous in terms of safety.
PROCEDURE
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KBD employees and Owner/Operators are:
o Required to follow all regulations and work rules to ensure the safety of
themselves, employees, and non-employees;
o Not permitted to engage or participate in any type of horseplay, regardless of
whether they are on-site at the KBD terminal or off-site yet still being paid for
KBD work activities; and
o Encouraged to report violations of this policy to the Safety & Compliance
Manager or the Safety & Compliance Assistant.
The Safety & Compliance Manager / Safety & Compliance Assistant are required to:
o Educate new employees (upon hire) and re-educate existing employees (as
deemed necessary) about the Horseplay Prevention Policy;
o Take steps to secure the safety and future non-harassment (see Workplace
Harassment Policy) of any known victim(s) of horseplay; and
o Take Progressive Disciplinary action (see Progressive Discipline Policy) against
the perpetrator of the horseplay, which, if seen to be either purposefully or
neglectfully endangering others, may result in immediate termination of
employment.
The Management are required to:
o Support, encourage, and provide the structure for a safe and healthy work
environment for all KBD employees and Owner/Operators.
DEFINITIONS
Prank:
A mischievous trick or silly stunt done for amusement.
Boisterous:
Noisy, energetic, and rowdy.