The Town of Shelter Island is committed to the safety and security of its employees. Workplace violence presents a serious occupational safety hazard to our agency, staff, and clients. Threats, threatening behavior, or acts of violence against employees, visitors, guests, or other individuals by anyone on Town of Shelter Island property will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action will be taken, including summoning criminal justice authorities when warranted. All employees are responsible for helping to create an environment of mutual respect for each other as well as clients, following all policies, procedures and program requirements, and for assisting in maintaining a safe and secure work environment.
[Adopted 10-2-2009]
This policy is designed to meet the requirements of NYS Labor Law § 27-b and highlights some of the elements that are found within our Workplace Violence Prevention Program. The process involved in complying with this law included a workplace evaluation that was designed to identify the workplace violence hazards our employees could be exposed to. Other tools that were utilized during this process included establishing a committee made up of management and authorized employee representatives who will have an ongoing role of participation in the evaluation process, recommending methods to reduce or eliminate the hazards identified during the process and investigating workplace violence incidents or allegations. All employees will participate in the annual Workplace Violence Prevention Training Program.
The goal of this policy is to promote the safety and well-being of all people in our workplace. All incidents of violence or threatening behavior will be responded to immediately upon notification. Town of Shelter Island has identified response personnel that include a member of management and an employee representative. If appropriate, the Town of Shelter Island will provide counseling services or referrals for employees.
All Town of Shelter Island personnel are responsible for notifying their department head of any violent incidents, threatening behavior, including threats they have witnessed, received, or have been told that another person has witnessed or received. If not satisfied with the response of the department head, personnel should notify the contact person designated below.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The name of the designated contact person, along with the Workplace Violence Incident Report Form, is on file in the Town offices.