Drug Free Workplace Policy

INTRODUCTION

In response to Federal requirements for drug-free workplaces, and in keeping with Suburban Landscapings concern for the health and safety of its workforce, the following Drug-Free Workplace Policy has been instituted.

This policy certifies the company’s intent to maintain a drug-free workplace.  The first section describes the prohibitions of this policy such as the manufacture, distribution, sale, possession, or use of a controlled substance in the workplace.

In addition, this policy creates a Drug Awareness Program that provides information on the dangers of workplace drug use to all employee as well as information about available private and community treatment facilities.  The last section of this policy lists the disciplinary actions that employees will face for any violation of Suburban Landscaping’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy.  Finally, an employee acknowledgement must be signed and dated by each employee who reviews a copy of this policy.

The Drug-Free Workplace Policy specifically requires Suburban Landscaping to notify each employee that, as a condition of employment, each employee must:

• Comply with the Company’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy, and
• Notify Suburban Landscaping of any conviction for a drug-related offense committed in the workplace within five (5) days of the conviction.

Any employee who violates this company policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

PROHIBITIONS

Suburban Landscaping’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy prohibits employees from engaging in any of the following activities:

1. Use, possession, manufacture, distribution, dispensation, or sale of illegal drugs on company premises or company business, in company supplied vehicles, or during working hours.
2. Unauthorized use or possession, or any manufacture, distribution, dispensation, or sale of a controlled substance on company premises or while on company business or while in company supplied vehicles.
3. Storing in a locker, desk, automobile, or other repository on company premises any controlled substance whose use is unauthorized.

Early recognition and treatment of drug abuse is important for successful rehabilitation.  Whenever feasible, Suburban Landscaping will assist employees in overcoming drug abuse by providing information on treatment opportunities and programs.  However, the decision to seek diagnosis and accept treatment for drug abuse is primarily the individual employee’s responsibility. Employees with drug abuse problems may request assistance from management.  Suburban Landscaping will treat all such requests confidentially and will refer the employee to the appropriate treatment and counseling services.  Employees who voluntarily request Suburban Landscaping’s assistance in dealing with a drug abuse problem may do so without jeopardizing their continued employment, provided they strictly adhere to the terms of their treatment and counseling program.  At a maximum these terms include the immediate cessation of any use of drugs, participation in an accredited program, and periodic unannounced testing for a twenty-four (24) month period following enrollment in the program.

Voluntary requests for assistance from employees will not, however, prevent disciplinary action for violation of Suburban Landscaping’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy.

Suburban Landscaping has instituted a zero tolerance level program.  Suburban Landscaping is committed to maintaining a safe workplace free from the influence of drugs.  All employees are hereby notified that Suburban Landscaping will comply with the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and all applicable regulations issued thereunder, as well as, when applicable, any more stringent rules created by other Federal agencies.

Suburban Landscaping’s Drug Awareness Program does not create an employment contract between the employer and employee.  Nor does this program create an obligation on the part of Suburban Landscaping to pay for an employee’s treatment and counseling services.  The cost of all treatment and counseling services are the sole responsibility of the employee.  Furthermore, Suburban Landscaping has the sole right to modify the policy and program at any time.

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

1. A violation of Suburban Landscaping’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, at the company’s discretion.
2. In addition to any disciplinary action, the company may, in its sole discretion, refer the employee to a treatment and counseling program for drug abuse.  Employees referred to such a program by the company must immediately cease any drug use, may be subject to periodic testing for a period of twenty-four (24) months, and must comply with all other conditions of the treatment and counseling program.  Suburban Landscaping shall determine whether an employee it has referred for drug treatment and counseling should be temporarily reassigned to another position for safety reasons.
3. Suburban Landscaping will promptly terminate any employee who test positive for drugs while undergoing treatment and counseling for drug abuse.

NOTICE TO ALL PERSONNEL OF DISCIPLINARY POLICY

This is a formal notice of Suburban Landscaping’s intent to take disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, against any employee who violates Suburban Landsacping’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy.

Suburban Landscaping’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy prohibits the use, sale, distribution, manufacture, or possession of controlled substances as listed in Schedules I through V of Section 202 of the Controlled Substance Act (21 U.S.C. 812)

Company policy also prohibits the performance of work or presence at any company building, facility, equipment, or work area/site while under the influence of a controlled substance.

Disciplinary Action

1st Offense     Suspension

2nd Offense     Termination