HOME & COMMUNITYPolicy No.: HR-8-50*

SUPPORT SERVICESNEW

--OF GREY-BRUCE--Cross Referenced: HR-7-80*

Effective Date: July 2009

Page: 1 of 1

SECTION: HUMAN RESOURCES

TOPIC: TRAVEL

POLICY TITLE: TRAVELLING TO, FROM, BETWEEN WORK DURING TIMES OF

INCLEMENT WEATHER

POLICY STATEMENT

HCSS-GB management and supervisory staff will instruct all employees to exercise sound judgment and err on the side of caution when travelling to, from and between workplace destinations during periods of inclement weather. Due to the diverse geographic and climatic nature of Bruce and Grey counties, weather conditions can vary greatly in a short distance and it is not possible for supervisory or management staff to make all decisions regarding the safety of current driving conditions. A number of HR policies have been created in order to safeguard all staff from financial loss due to shift cancellations resulting from inclement weather conditions (See HR-6-20, HR-6-30, HR-6-100). Employees will not be disciplined for refusing to travel during times of inclement weather. Inclement weather may include heavy snow, drifting, extreme wind, ice, sleet, fog, extreme rain or hail.

PROCEDURES

  • all employees are responsible for making their own decision whether or not to travel based upon the circumstances they encounter unless instructed not to report to work;
  • under no circumstances will staff drive down a road closed by the municipality or OPP;
  • under circumstances of severe weather a management or supervisory staff may cancel employee shifts or appointments or close a site as per agency policy, this decision will be respected;
  • if an employee becomes stranded due to weather conditions and they can safely reach a motel and/or restaurant, receipted accommodation and meals will be reimbursed by HCSS;
  • when an employee decides it is not safe to travel, they will immediately contact their supervisor or team clerk to make them aware of the situation;
  • when an employee leaves their work site early due to inclement weather they will inform their supervisor or an alternative employee and check-in when they arrive home;
  • housekeepers will inform their team clerk or supervisor if leaving early and check in when they arrive home;
  • employees may utilize the annual training budget allocated to them to participate in a recognized defensive driving course;

CONTACT

For more information, contact the Executive Director.

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