601 Safety
Safety must be every employee’s concern.
It is the responsibility of the WRLC to provide the necessary training, guidance and communication to allow all employees to safely fulfill their position responsibilities. It is the responsibility of each employee to follow approved safety guidelines, participate in required training programs, abide by any laws or regulations, and to exercise appropriate caution in all work activities. Employees are expected to immediately report any unsafe condition to an available supervisor.
Employees who violate safety standards, who cause hazardous or dangerous situations, or who fail to report or, where appropriate, remedy such situations, may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
In the case of accidents that result in injury, regardless of how insignificant the injury may appear, employees should immediately notify the Director of Finance and Administration and the appropriate supervisor. Such reports are necessary to comply with laws and to initiate insurance and workers' compensation benefits procedures.
When on WRLC business away from the WRLC facility, employees are expected to abide by all federal, state and local laws and regulations.
602 Smoking
Smoking is prohibited throughout the workplace.
Receptacles are located near the garage and break room exits of the building for those who wish to smoke outside the building. Employees may only smoke in these two areas and are expected to use the receptacles for disposal of smoking material.
This policy applies equally to all employees, customers, and visitors.
603 Adverse Weather Conditions
In the event of adverse weather conditions, the WRLC does not want to endanger those employees who must work at the WRLC site. Employees who are required to work on site will be given leave on these occasions, typically abiding by the decision of Federal Government to open, open with liberal leave in effect, or to close. The Executive Director will leave a voicemail message by 6:00 am to indicate WRLC’s status. To hear the message, call (301) 390-2000 and press 3. Leave will be granted as follows:
- If the WRLC is open, all scheduled staff members are expected to work their regular hours. If there is a delay in the opening, the Executive Director will leave the new opening time on the voicemail system.
- If the WRLC is open with liberal leave then staff are allowed to use their vacation time at their discretion (i.e., permission of their supervisor is not required) for work missed. Those employees who request to work at home when WRLC is open with liberal leave in effect can do so ONLY at the discretion of their supervisor, unless it was previously scheduled.
- If the WRLC facility is closed due to adverse weather conditions, employees who must work on site are not expected to work and are not charged for time off. Employees who are able to telework are expected to do so. Employees who choose to not telework when the WRLC facility is closed due to adverse weather conditions may take unpaid leave, vacation time or personal leave if available.
If the Executive Director announces that WRLC will close early during normal business hours, employees will not be charged for time off.
604 Workplace Violence Prevention
The WRLC is committed to creating and maintaining a safe workplace.
All employees, including supervisors and temporary employees, will be treated with courtesy and respect at all times.
All threats of, or actual violence, should be reported as soon as possible to your immediate supervisor, Director or the Executive Director. If an employee feels they are in immediate danger, call 911. Anyone determined to be responsible for threats of, or actual violence will be subject to prompt disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.
Firearms, weapons, and other dangerous or hazardous devices or substances are always prohibited from the premises of WRLC.
605 COVID-19 Protocols
Our goal throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been to “Continue to provide all services without interruption with minimal risk to both the WRLC employees and its users.” Everyone entering the WRLC building is expected to:
- Evaluate themselves for COVID-19 symptoms prior to coming into the building
- Wear a mask except when eating in the breakroom or while in a private office with the door closed
- Keep six feet apart when possible
- Limit the number of people in the breakroom and restrooms to two and the kitchen to one
- Wash your hands frequently
- Clean shared equipment with a disposable disinfecting wipe between uses
The COVID-19 vaccinations are the best way to ensure the health of each individual and the communities in which they live and work. The WRLC strongly encourages all staff to be vaccinated for COVID-19. WRLC staff and temporary employees must provide proof of vaccination to the Director of Finance and Administration. Anyone who is not vaccinated for COVID-19 will be expected to provide a weekly report of a current negative COVID-19 diagnostic molecular test (PCR, NAATs) performed in a clinical setting by a medical professional. We will not accept a rapid antigen test or antibody test. A copy of the report shall be provided to the Director of Finance and Administration. We would prefer receiving the test results each Monday.