The Town of Gates has a responsibility to its employees, town residents
and the public at large to take active, reasonable steps to assure safety
in the workplace and safety in the delivery of the services that it provides
to the citizens of Gates. To this end, the town affirms its policy that it
strictly prohibits the unlawful use, distribution, possession or manufacture
of controlled substances in the workplace, in town vehicles (whether performing
town business or not), while performing town business anywhere, including
off of town property, or during work hours; the consumption of alcohol in
the workplace, in town vehicles (whether performing town business or not),
while performing town business anywhere, including off of town property, or
during working hours; and allowing staff to work while they are under the
influence of drugs or alcohol.
Any staff member who is determined to unlawfully use, distribute, possess
or manufacture controlled substances under the above-stated conditions; to
consume alcohol under the above-stated conditions; or to be working with ability
impaired due to the use of alcohol or drugs will be subject to appropriate
disciplinary action, including loss of wages or termination. The town will
also pursue legal recourse when appropriate.
To assist employees who may have a drug or alcohol abuse problem, the
Town of Gates has entered into a contract with Park Ridge Hospital to administer
an Employee Assistance Program. This program is a confidential counseling
and referral program for employees with a variety of problems, including alcohol
and drug abuse. If a supervisor feels that an employee has an abuse problem
that is affecting his work performance or if the employee is found to have
unlawfully used, distributed, possessed or manufactured controlled substances
in the workplace or reported to work with ability impaired due to drug or
alcohol abuse, the supervisor should report this immediately to the department
head, who may mandate the employee's attendance and follow through with the
Employee Assistance Program.
Employees must as a condition of employment abide by the terms of this
policy. Employees who perform work that is funded by a federal project must
report any conviction under a criminal drug statute for violations occurring
on or off the town's premises while conducting town business to their immediate
supervisor. A report of conviction must be made within five days after the
conviction.