Town Policies and Practices
Drug and Alcohol Policy
The Town of West Springfield firmly believes that the use of illegal drugs and misuse of legal drugs, including alcohol, is a source of danger in the workplace and a threat to the Town's goal of maintaining a productive and safe work environment. The Town of West Springfield discourages users of illegal drugs and misusers of legal drugs, including alcohol, from seeking employment with the Town and encourages very forcefully the rehabilitation of such persons already in its employ.
For a complete copy of this policy please contact Human Resources.
Smoking Policy
The Town of West Springfield expects all employees to respect the rights and health concerns of others. In accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 36, smoking shall be prohibited in all buildings owned and controlled by the Town, including entryways and exits. Violation of or failure to comply with Chapter 36 will result in disciplinary action. Any employee wishing to smoke will be allowed to do so during the scheduled break periods as designated by their immediate supervisor.
Fire and Police Department personnel hired subsequent to January 1, 1988 must abide by M.G.L. Chapter 41, Section 101A.
Right to Know Law
Chemicals are an integral part of all of our lives. As an employee you should be aware that some of our operations require the use of, or exposure to various chemicals. You need to be careful with hazardous chemicals and you need to know about possible health hazards. The chemicals used within our workplace have been evaluated for physical and health hazards by our suppliers, the manufacturers or the distributors; and that information is readily available to you. When working around chemicals, you should always read labels. You have a "Right to Know" about chemical hazards in the workplace. But hazard communication can protect only if you: Read labels and Material Safety Data Sheets, know where to find information about chemicals, follow warnings and instructions, use the correct protective
clothing and equipment when handling hazardous substances, learn emergency procedures, and practice sensible work habits. For a complete copy of this policy, please contact the Human Resources Department.
Discriminatory Harassment Policy
The Town of West Springfield, as an employer, has a goal of elimination of discriminatory harassment from the workplace. Harassment is both morally and legally wrong. It is destructive to morale and teamwork and can lead to poor job performance. The Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 151B and 151C and title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 include sexual harassment as a form or unlawful sex discrimination. For a complete copy of this policy, please contact the Human Resources Department.
Safety Belts
The Town of West Springfield has an utmost concern for the safety of its employees. The Town operates in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 90: Section 13A. Because this is a state law, we strongly recommend the use of safety belts in private vehicles and require the use in Town - owned vehicles. Please click here for a copy of MGL Chapter 90: Section 13A.
Policy on Workplace Violence
The Town of West Sprinfield is committed to promoting the health and safety of our employees. Workplace safety is everyone's responsibility. Workplace violence undermines the integrity of the workplace and the personal safety of the individual employee. The Town maintains a zero tolerance policy for workplace violence.
References: Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 209A. For a complete copy of this policy, please contact the Human Resources Department.
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