by Ed Dulin
In the September issue of Presslines, we shared a
revision to our INI Health, Safety and Environment Policy that included a
"No Weapons" provision. We came up with the revision after
consulting with our insurance brokers and reviewing what other companies
were using in their workplaces.
Here's what the revision stated:
5. Health, Safety and
Environment (revised 09/15/2014)
Working together, INI’s people can achieve our goal of safe, healthy and
environmentally sound work conditions.
INI has zero tolerance for
unsafe work, violence or threats of violence.
Each individual is responsible for conducting himself or herself in a safe and
professional way, and is expected to operate all equipment according to the
best practices recommended by recognized health and safety experts. Safety is
also a factor to be considered in the acquisition of equipment.
In order to
ensure a safe environment for employees and customers, Independent Newsmedia
Inc. USA prohibits the wearing, transporting, storage, or presence of
firearms or other dangerous weapons in our facilities including anywhere that
INI business is conducted, such as customer locations, trade shows, company
event venues, and so forth. Any employee in possession of a firearm or other
weapon or any items deemed dangerous by Independent while in our facilities/or
while otherwise fulfilling job responsibilities may face disciplinary action
including termination. A client or visitor who violates this policy may be
removed from the property and reported to police authorities.
This policy does not apply to any law enforcement personnel, security
personnel or any person engaged in military activities sponsored by the federal
or state government, while engaged in their official duties.
******************
In hindsight, we (and I'll take most of
the blame here) overlooked one of the key values we've always tried
to practice in our company -- to consult with our employees first! For
that, I apologize.
Since sharing the revised policy, I've had some private
discussion with many of our managers and team leaders about the subject
and I've received some valuable feedback. Many were relieved we
addressed the issue; others thought we may have gone a little too far.
There were mixed reactions about the types of weapons,
such as pepper sprays. Most people referred to those as "defense
devices" and many suggested that employees should be allowed to carry
them, especially in cases where they leave the offices late at night when it is
dark.
Please email me at
edulin@newszap.com to let me know what
you think about this issue and what, if any, alternative suggestions you
have. Once we receive this input, we'll reconsider whether our new policy
is right for our facilities or if there's a need to tweak it. Thanks!
(Ed Dulin is president & CEO of Independent Newsmedia
Inc. USA. He can be reached at
edulin@newszap.com)
It's always amazing how
fast the year goes by anymore! (Maybe it's a sign of my old age!)
