Exec_Order_16.pdf

ATTACHMENT FF

EXECUTIVE ORDER 16

State of Connecticut

By His Excellency

John G. Rowland

Governor

Executive Order No. Sixteen

WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut recognizes that workplace violence is a growing problem that must be addressed; and

WHEREAS, the State is committed to providing its employees a reasonably safe and healthy working environment, free from intimidation, harassment, threats, and /or violent acts; and

WHEREAS, violence or the threat of violence by or against any employee of the State of Connecticut or member of the public in the workplace is unacceptable and will subject the perpetrator to serious disciplinary action up to and including discharge and criminal penalties.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, John G. Rowland, Governor of the State of Connecticut, acting by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the statutes of this state, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

1. That all state agency personnel, contractors, subcontractors, and vendors comply with the following Violence in the Workplace Prevention Policy:

The State of Connecticut adopts a statewide zero tolerance policy for workplace violence.

Therefore, except as may be required as a condition of employment:

o No employee shall bring into any state worksite any weapon or dangerous instrument as defined herein.

o No employee shall use, attempt to use, or threaten to use any such weapon or dangerous instrument in a state worksite.

o No employee shall cause or threaten to cause death or physical injury to any individual in a state worksite.

Weapon means any firearm, including a BB gun, whether loaded or unloaded, any knife (excluding a small pen or pocket knife), including a switchblade or other knife having an automatic spring release device, a stiletto, any police baton or nightstick or any martial arts weapon or electronic defense weapon.

Dangerous instrument means any instrument, article, or substance that, under the circumstances, is capable of causing death or serious physical injury.

Violation of the above reasonable work rules shall subject the employee to disciplinary action up to and including discharge.

2. That each agency must prominently post this policy and that all managers and supervisors must clearly communicate this policy to all state employees

3. That all managers and supervisors are expected to enforce this policy fairly and uniformly.

4. That any employee who feels subjected to or witnesses violent, threatening, harassing, or intimidating behavior in the workplace immediately report the incident or statement to their supervisor, manager, or human resources office.

5. That any employee who believes that there is a serious threat to their safety or the safety of others that requires immediate attention notify proper law enforcement authorities and his or her manager or supervisor

6. That any manager or supervisor receiving such a report shall immediately contact their human resources office to evaluate, investigate and take appropriate action.

7. That all parties must cooperate fully when questioned regarding violations of this policy.

8. That all parties be advised that any weapon or dangerous instrument at the worksite will be confiscated and that there is no reasonable expectation of privacy with respect to such items in the workplace.

9. That this order applies to all state employees in the executive branch.

10. That each agency will monitor the effective implementation of this policy.

11. That this order shall take effect immediately.

Dated in Hartford, Connecticut, this fourth day of August, 1999.

Filed this 4th day of August, 1999.

SUSAN BYSIEWICZ, Secretary of the State