(a) Policy. The County of Summit is committed to preventing workplace violence and to maintaining a safe work environment. . It is the policy of the County of Summit to not tolerate any form of workplace violence. The County of Summit has adopted the following guidelines to deal with intimidation, harassment, or other threats of (or actual) violence that may occur during business hours or on its premises:
(1) All employees, including supervisors and temporary employees, should be treated with courtesy and respect at all times. Employees are expected to refrain from fighting, "horseplay," or other conduct that may be dangerous to others. Firearms, weapons, and other dangerous or hazardous devices or substances are prohibited from County of Summit owned and leased properties without proper authorization.
(2) Conduct that threatens, intimidates, or coerces another employee, a customer, or a member of the public at any time will not be tolerated. This prohibition includes all acts of harassment, including harassment that is based on race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, disability sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic to the extent protected by law.
(b) Reports. All threats of or actual violence, both direct and indirect, should be reported as soon as possible to your immediate supervisor or any other member of management. This includes threats by employees, as well as threats by customers, vendors, solicitors, or other members of the public. When reporting a threat of violence, an employee should be as specific and detailed as possible. All suspicious individuals or activities should also be reported as soon as possible to a supervisor. An employee shall not place themselves in peril. If an employee sees or hears a commotion or disturbance near their workstation, they should not try to intercede or become involved in the situation.
(c) Investigation. The County of Summit will promptly and thoroughly investigate all reports of threats of or actual violence and of suspicious individuals or activities. Investigations will be coordinated by the Department of Human Resources. The identity of the individual making a report will be protected as much as is practical. In order to maintain workplace safety and the integrity of its investigation, the County of Summit may place employees on Administrative Leave pending investigation. Anyone determined to be responsible for threats of or actual violence or other conduct that is in violation of this Section shall be subject to prompt disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
(e) Placement on Paid Administrative Leave. Upon investigation, any employee determined to be a threat to themselves, co-workers or the public shall not be returned to duty but shall be placed on Paid Administrative Leave, pending the outcome of a Fitness for Duty examination as provided for in Section 169.32 of these Ordinances.
(Ord. 2011-380. Adopted 11-7-11.)
(Ord. 2011-380. Adopted 11-7-11.)