Human Resources - Violence in the Workplace Prevention Policy
TO: All WCSU Employees
FROM: James R. Roach, President
RE: Violence in the Workplace Prevention Policy
DATE: September 3, 1999
The State of Connecticut has recently adopted a policy concerning workplace violence and prohibiting weapons and dangerous instruments in the workplace. The policy is effective immediately and was prepared at the direction of the Governor John Rowland. It supersedes WCSU's Policy on Workplace Threats and Violence.
The policy is consistent with what has been called a "Zero Tolerance" approach. Violence or the threat of violence by or against any employee of the University is unacceptable and will subject the perpetrator to serious disciplinary action and possible criminal charges. There is no such thing as a "joke" when dealing with this subject. It is not funny when employees speak about "going postal", "getting" another employee or anything remotely similar.
WCSU and the State of Connecticut are committed to providing its employees a reasonably safe and healthy work environment, free from intimidation, harassment, threats and/or violent acts. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), workplace violence is defined as:
The worksite is any location, either permanent or temporary, where an employee performs any work-related duty. This includes but is not limited to the buildings and the surrounding perimeters, including the parking lots. It includes all state-owned and leased space, including vehicles, and any location where state business is conducted.
Please take a few moments to review and familiarize yourself with the attached Violence in the Workplace Prevention Policy and accompanying Executive Order. I am confident that we will all take the necessary steps to ensure a safe work environment for our students, staff, and visitors.
State of Connecticut
Violence in the Workplace Prevention Policy
Issued by Governor John G. Rowland
August 1999
The State of Connecticut adopts a statewide zero tolerance policy for workplace violence.
Therefore, except as may be required as a condition of employment-
- No employee shall bring into any state worksite any weapon or dangerous instrument as defined herein.
- No employee shall use, attempt to use, or threaten to use any such weapon or dangerous instrument in a state worksite.
- No employee shall cause or threaten to cause death or physical injury to any individual in a state worksite.
Dangerous instrument means any instrument, article, or substance that, under the circumstances, is capable of causing death or serious physical injury.
Any weapon or dangerous instrument at the worksite will be confiscated and there is no reasonable expectation of privacy with respect to such items in the workplace.
Violation of the above reasonable work rules shall subject the employee to disciplinary action up to and including discharge.
Any employee who fears for their personal safety or for the safety of others should:
1. Contact the university Police Department at 203-837-9300 or dial "911" from a campus telephone.
2. Contact your supervisor or the Human Resources Department, Charles P. Spiridon, 203-837-8662 for emergency and non-emergency situations.
State of Connecticut by His Excellency
John G. Rowland
Executive Order No. 16
WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut recognizes that workplace violence is a growing problem that must be addressed; and
WHEREAS, the State is committed to providing its employees a reasonably safe and healthy working environment, free from intimidation, harassment, threats, and /or violent acts; and
WHEREAS, violence or the threat of violence by or against any employee of the State of Connecticut or member of the public in the workplace is unacceptable and will subject the perpetrator to serious disciplinary action up to and including discharge and criminal penalties.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, John G. Rowland, Governor of the State of Connecticut, acting by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the statutes of this state, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:
1. That all state agency personnel, contractors, subcontractors, and vendors comply with the following Violence in the Workplace Prevention Policy:
-
The State of Connecticut adopts a statewide zero tolerance policy for workplace violence.
- No employee shall bring into any state worksite any weapon or dangerous instrument as defined herein.
- No employee shall use, attempt to use, or threaten to use any such weapon or dangerous instrument in a state worksite.
- No employee shall cause or threaten to cause death or physical injury to any individual in a state worksite.
Weapon means any firearm, including a BB gun, whether loaded or unloaded, any knife (excluding a small pen or pocket knife), including a switchblade or other knife having an automatic spring release device, a stiletto, any police baton or nightstick or any martial arts weapon or electronic defense weapon.Dangerous instrument means any instrument, article, or substance that, under the circumstances, is capable of causing death or serious physical injury.
Violation of the above reasonable work rules shall subject the employee to disciplinary action up to and including discharge.
Therefore, except as may be required as a condition of employment
3. That all managers and supervisors are expected to enforce this policy fairly and uniformly.
4. That any employee who feels subjected to or witnesses violent, 4. threatening, harassing, or intimidating behavior in the workplace immediately report the incident or statement to their supervisor, manager, or human resources office.
5. That any employee who believes that there is a serious threat to their safety or the safety of others that requires immediate attention notify proper law enforcement authorities and his or her manager or supervisor.
6. That any manager or supervisor receiving such a report shall immediately contact their human resources office to evaluate, investigate and take appropriate action.
7. That all parties must cooperate fully when questioned regarding violations of this policy.
8. That all parties be advised that any weapon or dangerous instrument at the worksite will be confiscated and that there is no reasonable expectation of privacy with respect to such items in the workplace.
9. That this order applies to all state employees in the executive branch.
10.That each agency will monitor the effective implementation of this policy.
11. That this order shall take effect immediately.
