Weapons in the Workplace
Author: Melissa Gonzalez Boyce, XpertHR Legal Editor
Before an employer places an outright ban on all weapons in the workplace, it must consider whether state law protects an employee's right to bear arms under certain circumstances and in designated areas. These laws generally allow employees to store firearms in their personal vehicles while parked on the employer's premises, but also allow employers to prohibit employees from bringing firearms into the workplace itself. The laws often include a signage requirement to notify employees of the places firearms are prohibited.
In addition, an employer that wishes to search employees' property for weapons must take care to ensure the search is reasonable and does not violate employees' privacy rights.
Accordingly, employers should be fully aware of the state laws at play prior to creating any policies on this topic.
Tasks
How To
Supervisor Briefings
Policies and Documents
- Weapons in the Workplace Policy
- Potential Warning Signs of Employee Instability - Checklist
- Searches and Inspections of the Employee and Employee Personal Property Policy
- Progressive Discipline Policy
- Employee Conduct and Discipline Policy
Employment Law Manual
- Risk Management - Health, Safety, Security > Workplace Security > Guns and Weapons in the Workplace
- Employee Management > Employee Handbooks - Work Rules - Employee Conduct > Workplace Violence
- Employee Management > Employee Discipline > State Requirements
50-State Charts
Employee Handbook
- Weapons in the Workplace Handbook Statement
- Weapons in the Workplace Handbook Statement: States
- Company's Right to Search Handbook Statement
Editor's Choice
FAQs
- Does an employer have a right to search an employee's locker or desk?
- Does an employer have the right to search an employee's purse or bag?
- May an employer be held liable for workplace violence between co-workers?