HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 09191995 - C38 HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA e '
TO: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
FROM: Richard J. Martinez,Executive Director
DATE: September 19, 1995
SUBJECT: WORKPLACE VIOLENCE ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATIONS) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
I. RECOMMENDED ACTION:
ADOPT the Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa's proposed Workplace Violence Zero Tolerance
Policy,as recommended by the Advisory Housing Commission.
Il. FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None at this time.
III. REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION/BACKGROUND
The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act(Fed-OSHA)and Cal/OSHA Guidelines requires employers to provide
their employees with a safe and healthful place of employment,and,additionally,Contra Costa County has a countywide
action plan for preventing violence in the County. In keeping with the requirements of Fed-OSHA,Cal/OSHA and the
County's action plan,the Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa has fashioned a proposed Workplace
Violence Zero Tolerance Policy. This Policy requires that employees of the Housing Authority of the County of Contra
Costa comply with safe and healthy work practices,designed to make the workplace more secure and not engage in
verbal threats or physical actions which create a security hazard to other employees.
At its Regular Meeting on Monday, September 18, 1995 the Advisory Housing Commission voted to recommend
adoption of the proposed Workplace Violence Zero Tolerance Policy.
IV. CONSEQUENCES OF NEGATIVE ACTION;
Should the Board of Commissioners elect to not adopt the proposed Workplace Violence Zero Tolerance Policy,
the Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa would not be in compliance with Fed-OSHA and Cal/OSHA
requirements for workplace,security.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: )< YES SIGNATURE, ,
RECOMMENDATION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S) :
ACTION OF BOARD ON Spntpmhpr 19, 1995 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED �_ OTHER
VOTE OF COMMISSIONERS
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A
�._ UNANIMOUS (ABSENT 1 TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF AN
AYES: NOES: ACTION TAKEN AND ENTERED ON THE
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
ATTESTED SPgtamhpr 19y 1.095.
PHIL BATCHELOR, CLERK OF
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
AND CO T ADMINIS TOR
B , DEPUTY
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF
CONTRA COSTA
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE
ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
The Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa requires that
employees comply with safe and healthy work practices, designed to
make the workplace more secure and not engage in verbal threats or
physical actions which create a security hazard to other employees
RESPONSIBILITY
The Program Administrator for workplace security is Del Price, or any
other employee designated by the Executive Director, and is empowered
with the authority and responsibility for implementing the provisions of this
Program for the Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa.
A copy of this Program shall be delivered to every employee and shall
be available from each manager and supervisor.
PREVENTION
Consists of the following:
1. New employee orientation on the Housing Authority's workplace
violence zero tolerance policy, procedures and work practices.
2. Review of our Workplace Violence Zero Tolerance Policy.
3. Safety meetings to discuss workplace safety, health and security
issues.
4. Communication of safety, health and security concerns using a system
of flyers and the Housing Authority Newsletter.
5. Workplace violence zero tolerance information is posted at offices and
in maintenance shops and is distributed to employees.
VIOLENT BEHAVIOR IDENTIFICATION
The Housing Authority identifies the following as violent and
unacceptable behaviors in the workplace. This identification is by way of
example and does not preclude a finding of other behavior as violent
behavior.
1. Verbal threats. All verbal threats will be taken seriously.
2. Fist fights or other physical altercations or contacts. Any assaultive
behavior.
3. Written threats. Sexual or violent notes.
4. Suicidal threats.
5. Destruction of Housing Authority property, sabotage of equipment
theft of property or equipment.
6. Possession of weapons in the workplace
7. Sexual harassment.
8. Drug or alcohol abuse.
9. Profanity or abusive language. This includes unwanted sexual
comments.
10. Refusal to obey Housing Authority policies and procedures. Refusal
to cooperate with authority.
REMEDIES
Any and all acts of violence behavior, as illustrated, shall be reported
immediately, both verbally and in writing, to the Program Administrator.
Acts of violent behavior shall not be tolerated in the workplace. The
Housing Authority will enforce the following corrective action for the
behaviors listed above.
1. Acts of violence are grounds for disciplinary action to and including
termination.
2. All reported acts of violence will be investigated.
PREVENTION AND EDUCATION
Training and instruction on prevention of violence in the workplace is
mandatory for all employees.
1 . Should a weapon be present during any confrontation, or when a
threat is being made employees are cautioned:
A. Don't be a hero.
B. Immediately evacuate the premises.
C. Call for law enforcement assistance.
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VIOLENCE PREVENTION TEAM
The Violence Prevention Team will coordinate and implement training
and education programs designed to prevent violence in the workplace.
This team will be composed of Del Price, Frank Sorisio, Cathleen Hammonds
and Jackie Tillman.
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