Plant Services - May 2008 - (Page 62) IN THE TRENCHES How much control Acme has over an employee’s off-the-job behavior is interesting. There’s no argument about behavior that might endanger lives on the job. For example, the FAA requires pilots to avoid alcohol consumption eight hours before a flight. Trucking companies often establish similar rules. Many companies use random drug testing. Some policies say an employee can’t engage in behavior that might reflect on company image. An example is a teacher caught with child pornography or a small-town banker spending a lot of time at the local casino. Companies with a smoking ban rarely argue that smoking affects employee performance negatively, nor CRCIndAnnivAd_x4.875:1 1/23/08or does it affect the company’s image An academician says: reputation. Rather, proponents argue they’re saving employee lives and a lot of money on the health insurance. The opponents of the ban claim it infringes on their personal freedom and constitutional rights. And they raise the question as to how far company intrusion into their personal lives can go. Poor diet also is the cause of many medical problems, so could the company restrict or control what you eat at home or at restaurants? Can a company dictate how much alcohol an employee is permitted to consume in a given time period? Or could it ban what recreational activities you engage in (some pro basketball contracts prohibit players to ride motorcycles or engage in any recreation that might be “dangerous”). And how is all 2:50 PM going to be enforced? of this Page 1 I think the jury is still out on this issue. Most states probably would side with Acme and uphold its right to ban cigarette smoking off the job, although in other states the ban might not float (the message here is check your state laws). However, the off-the-job smoking bans are very recent and I’m sure we’re going to see a lot more challenges regarding how far companies can push their control over off-the-job employees’ behavior. Professor Homer H. Johnson, Ph.D Loyola University Chicago (312) 915-6682 hjohnso@luc.edu An attorney says: Smokers aren’t protected as a minority group under any civil rights When you put us on the spot, we perform. Thank you for making CRC the brand of choice for industrial maintenance chemicals. As a trusted leader since 1958, we are proud to have reached this milestone by constantly innovating, leading and listening. We always remember that our customers are crucial to our success. We appreciate your trust in us and in our products. CRC Industries, Inc. 885 Louis Drive Warminster, PA 18974 (800) 272-4620 www.crcindustries.com A WORLD OF SOLUTIONS SINCE 1958 62 www.PLANTSERVICES.com May 2008 http://www.crcindustries.com http://www.crcindustries.com http://www.PLANTSERVICES.com
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