Workplace Safety and Health
Chavez has an established policy of providing a safe work environment for all employees based on current federal, state and local standards. Chavez strives to maintain working conditions which afford all employees, students and volunteers a reasonable degree of comfort and protection from injury or dangerous situations while assuring orderly and efficient performance of duties; however, it is only through the combined efforts and interest of all employees that we can continue to make Chavez a safe place in which to work. Employees are expected to work safely, observe safety regulations, and immediately report any unsafe condition to their Supervisor and/or the Chief Operating Officer.
Smoke-Free Workplace
For the health and safety of students, staff, and visitors to Chavez and pursuant to District of Columbia law, there will be no smoking of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, within the facilities and within the gates of Chavez at any time, or when supervising students in any setting. Staff members, when on an approved break, are not to smoke in public spaces near Chavez that are easily visible to students and visitors. Employees found to be in violation of this policy may be subject to discipline.
Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace
Chavez has an obligation, as required by the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, to provide an environment that is free of illegal drugs and alcohol. Illegal drug use and alcohol abuse compromises employee productivity, threatens the quality of our services, and invites the risk of injury or damage to Chavez’ property, employees, and students. Possessing, consuming, manufacturing, attempting to sell, or distribute illegal drugs, as well as being under the influence of an illegal controlled substance or alcohol during work hours, or on Chavez’ premises or while conducting Chavez’ business off premises is strictly prohibited.
Such conduct and/or use of illegal drugs or controlled substances is also prohibited during nonworking time to the extent that it, in the opinion of the management of Chavez (1) impairs the employee’s ability CCPCS 2024 13 to perform his or her job; (2) affects Chavez’ reputation or threatens its integrity; and (3) jeopardizes the employee and/or others in the workplace. Reporting to work while under the influence of illegal drugs, controlled substances, or alcohol is prohibited.
It is important to note that federal law and School policy continue to treat marijuana and cannabis as illegal and prohibited despite changes in some state laws. Federal laws that prohibit any use of marijuana and other cannabis products, including medical use, have not changed and take precedence over laws in States that have chosen to legalize either medical or recreational use of marijuana or other cannabis products. In addition, Chavez receives federal funding and as such must abide by additional regulations requiring that recipients prohibit use or possession of drugs in the workplace. Finally, note that if an illegal drug is legalized even at the federal level and even for medical use, Chavez will still continue to prohibit its use or possession at work—or reporting to work under its influence—as is the case with alcohol.
Chavez reserves the right to require an employee to submit to drug and alcohol screening based upon reasonable suspicion. Refusing to submit to the test will be considered grounds for immediate termination. Employees are expected to remain responsible, professional, and sober at all times. Consumption of alcohol on a Chavez field trip or at any time when students are present and/or under Chavez’ care is prohibited. Desks, storage areas, work areas, lockers, and file cabinets are Chavez’ property and must be maintained. All such areas must be kept clean and are to be used only for work purposes. Chavez reserves the right, at all times, and without prior notice, to inspect any and all property for the purpose of determining if this policy or any other Chavez policy has been violated. Such inspections may be conducted during or after business hours and in the presence or absence of the employee. All containers, including but not limited to bags, boxes, purses, briefcases, lunch containers, etc. brought on to Chavez premises are subject to Chavez’ inspection at any time a Chavez representative has a reasonable suspicion that this policy has been violated and such inspection is reasonably necessary in the investigation of such violation(s).
Employees who are convicted of offenses involving controlled substances or alcohol (including
DUI) must inform Human Resources within five (5) days of the conviction or plea.
Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination. However, this policy does not prohibit employees from the lawful use and possession of prescribed medications. Employees must, however, consult with their doctors about the medications’ effect on their fitness for duty and ability to safely perform their expected duties. Employees must also promptly disclose any work restrictions to their immediate supervisor. Employees are not required to disclose to Chavez underlying medical conditions, unless directed to do so by Human Resources.