Workplace Violence Prevention

522 Workplace Violence Prevention

Effective Date:

Revision Date:

Sni Valley is committed to preventing workplace violence and to maintaining a safe work environment. Given the increasing violence in society in general, Sni Valley 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.

All employees and volunteer members, including supervisors, should be treated with courtesy and respect at all times. Employees and members 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 the premises of Sni Valley without proper authorization.

Conduct that threatens, intimidates, or coerces another employee, a volunteer member, or a member of the public at any time, including off-duty periods, will not be tolerated. This prohibition includes all acts of harassment, including harassment that is based on an individual's sex, race, age, or any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

All threats of (or actual) violence, both direct and indirect, should be reported as soon as possible to your supervisor or to any chief officer. This includes threats by employees, as well as threats by volunteer members, vendors, solicitors, or other members of the public. When reporting a threat of violence, you should be as specific and detailed as possible.

All suspicious individuals or activities should also be reported as soon as possible to a supervisor. Do not place yourself in peril.

Sni Valley will promptly and thoroughly investigate all reports of threats of (or actual) violence and of suspicious individuals or activities. 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, Sni Valley may suspend employees, either with or without pay, and/or volunteer members, pending investigation.

Anyone determined to be responsible for threats of (or actual) violence or other conduct that is in violation of these guidelines will be subject to prompt disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

Sni Valley encourages employees and volunteer members to bring their disputes or differences with other employees or members to the attention of their supervisors or any chief officer before the situation escalates into potential violence. Sni Valley is eager to assist in the resolution of employee/volunteer member disputes, and will not discipline employees or members for raising such concerns.

Policy No.  522  Issued  6/29/2000  Applicable  5/17/2004