Workplace Policy - The Right Way

[mnrivrat]

I am working with a local business to develop an employee manual. I thought I would share this part of the manual for those who may be interested.

The first part below is taken from item 11 in the manual, it pertains to cooperating with a would be robber since this is a retain business open to the public.

In case of robbery during store hours we ask that employee’s cooperate with what they are asked to do, and do not put their lives, or lives of others in danger.

12.) CCW policy : It is the policy of this business that those employee’s who have legal permits to carry a weapon may do so while at work. We expect that all safety rules be followed and that the firearm remains holstered during all normal business operations. We respect the right to self defense, but ask that you adhere to our policy as stated in item 11 unless you are justified under the law to protect yourself or others.

 

[B. Adams]

Personally, I prefer more subtle language, but maybe that's just me. It's the sentence about keeping it in the holster that jumps out at me the most, otherwise it's not too bad.

As far as firearms go, I'd state that illegal weapons will not be tolerated on company property, and the display of weapons of any kind is forbidden. The people that want to bring their gun will know what that means, I don't think you'd need to spell it out for them quite as explicitly as you have.

Then again, if they approve the policy as it's written, I suppose I wouldn't complain.

 

[FireArmFan]

care to mention the place of business where this policy is taking place? I'm from MN and like to do business with gun friendly businesses. If you would rather not mention that is fine too.

 

[230RN]

Wow.

We're having an effect!

Precise language notwithstanding, I see this as an "advertisment" for CCW inasmuch as it will alert other employees to the possibiltiy that they, too, might be able to obtain a permit.

We're having an effect!

Wow.

Send me a job application.

 

[SwampFox]

I think your policy statment is clear and conscise.

It essintially says that guns stay holstered untill needed.

 

[mnrivrat]

I suppose for the purpose of not being misleading I should add that this retail business is in fact a sporting goods store .

As far as firearms go, I'd state that illegal weapons will not be tolerated on company property, and the display of weapons of any kind is forbidden.

MN law provides that permit holders may carry either openly or concealed. Therefore the reason why no language regarding the display of weapons will be required . Legal compliance with all state and federal laws will of course be a must.

This part of the policy language is approved, but I still consider the manual as a work in progress so alternate language idea's are welcome.

care to mention the place of business where this policy is taking place? I'm from MN and like to do business with gun friendly businesses. If you would rather not mention that is fine too.

No problem - This is the Hunters Den as it is now moving into larger facilities in New Ulm, MN. (formerly of the rural Springfield area) The fixturing for an indoor pistol range is on order (approx 6 months) and the shop will be opening in it's new location on or around August 1st. The business holds periodic training classes for MN & Idaho compliant handgun carry permits. A dedicated classroom will also be used for future classes in general safety, and basic firearms. It offers gunsmithing services, an indoor archery range, and a general line of hunting gear, as well as firearms. Come visit !

I am not an empoyee, but have known the owner for a long time and do what I can to help the business continue to grow. Customer friendly service is a high priority for this owner ,and will also be part of the employee handbook.

 

[Guitargod1985]

I only wish the company I worked for had a similar policy. They strictly prohibit any posession of firearms on company property or while on the clock. I don't really have to worry, though -- after all, concealed is concealed. If, however, some a**hole decides to go postal, and I feel my life or other's lives are in danger, then I'll be looking for another job. Better off temporarily unemployed than dead, though.

 

[Titan6]

The company clearly has it in for the misunderstood elements in society. This almost akin to sanctioning the killing of those who are just trying to buy a little crack to make it through the week.

 

[Owens]

MNRIVRAT...

Excellent! Simple and concise. Not forceful or dictatorial in nature. It would be nice to see more of this happening nation-wide. In their simple statement, they recognized that the CHL folks are NOT the ones to be concerned about.

 

[FieroCDSP]

I'd expect this of a hunting or gun store. A general sports store would be less likely, but do-able. This has no sanctioning of lethal force other than what state law allows. In any robbery, it's best to give the cash than shoot it out. You feel like crap afterwards, but at least you're not facing a jury. Those dumb enough to rob a gun store are to be wary of.

 

[TallPine]

In any robbery, it's best to give the cash than shoot it out.

That's true enough for your own self, but a couple years back there was a kidnapper/murderer shot in a holdup attempt in SE AZ. The robber fled to a nearby hospital where he was soon arrested. When they ran the plates on the pickup he was driving, they discovered it belonged to the girl he had murdered in TX.

So there's two ways to look at it.

 

[Standing Wolf]

It is the policy of this business that those employee’s who have legal permits to carry a weapon may do so while at work.

People will laugh at your employee manual if you try to make plurals with apostrophes.

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

employee’s

Get rid of the apostrophes. The plural of employee is "employees".

EDIT: Whoops, SW and I posted at the same time.

 

[elkhuntingfool]

My employer is a stickler for no guns....

but I work for the Federal Government and, well, it sucks to not be able to have a weapon with me when I'm commuting.

Oh well - only 25 more years to retirement!

 

[mnrivrat]

People will laugh at your employee manual if you try to make plurals with apostrophes.

Get rid of the apostrophes. The plural of employee is "employees".

OK - the rough draft has not yet gone through the spell check and grammer police . Thanks for pointing that out, and once again adding so much important information to the subject matter . Humanity is once again saved !

 

[Zach S]

I'd leave the CCW line out, and say that illegal weapons arent allowed on company property.

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

grammer

Fix that too (grammar).

 

[mnrivrat]

Fix that too (grammar).

:banghead: Two mistakes in a lifetime and you found them both !

Now be honest , did you look that up in the dictionary, or did you know that ?

You grammAr police are a real hoot ! Glad you didn't miss the point of the thread.

 

[BigRobT]

I might be a little concerned as to the "protect others" part. A person with a MN permit to carry is under no obligation to protect anybody but themselves. Just a thought. And then, there's the retreat clause in MN state law.......

 

[mnrivrat]

Good Points BigRobT . I was thinking that the clause of :

We respect the right to self defense, but ask that you adhere to our policy as stated in item 11 unless you are justified under the law to protect yourself or others.

Was good enough to cover this area, but perhaps some re-wording is in order. I have in fact made some changes to this already. Like I said, a work in progress, and I appreciate your input. Thanks !

 

[Cableguy]

One companies policy

Went looking online so far could only find...from the looks a standard basic policy, however I know here in the KY site the signs are being changed to reflect the change in state laws, saying to the effect Guns are prohibited inside the buildings...

Policy
As part of striving to maintain a safe workplace, XXXXXX prohibits violence or threats of violence in the workplace, stemming from the workplace or while otherwise representing the firm. The "workplace" is broadly defined to encompass buildings which XXXXXX owns and in which it leases space (including the parking lots, cafeterias, etc., which are affiliated with those buildings) and the areas where XXXXX work is performed.

Violence includes physical altercations, fights, the use of firearms, explosives and other weapons, and any other conduct which could cause injury or other damage. Threats of violence include acts of physical aggression or any statements that could be perceived as expressing an intent to cause harm to an employee or to the Company. Threats can be direct statements or acts, as well as more subtle conduct, such as intimidating remarks or gestures, "stalking" or other menacing behavior. These threats must be taken seriously, and even comments that are intended as jokes may be inappropriate. Regardless of the laws of a particular jurisdiction, the possession of any dangerous substances, including firearms, explosives and other weapons, is strictly prohibited in the workplace or elsewhere while conducting company business.

Protective Spray
For purposes of this policy, protective sprays (e.g., pepper spray) will not be considered a prohibited weapon provided they are not inappropriately displayed or discharged in the workplace. Employees possessing protective sprays must comply with legal requirements governing their possession and use.

But I did find this to be interesting......

Restraining Orders
As part of striving to maintain a safe work environment, XXXXX would like to be made aware of certain legal proceedings that could affect the workplace. Specifically, if an employee has obtained a restraining order or other similar order for personal protection, he or she is encouraged to notify Corporate Security, HR Solutions, or the manager. If Human Resources or the manager becomes aware of a restraining order, this information should be reported to Corporate Security. While Corporate Security of course cannot guarantee anyone's personal safety, it can suggest additional precautionary measures for the employee to consider and it can assist in enforcing the order in the workplace. Employees may wish to contact Corporate Security if they are concerned for their personal safety, even if they have not secured a restraining order. The Employee Assistance Program is also a resource for employees to consider.

((XXXXXX = Name of company I removed))

Joe