Town of Blackstone, MA Standards of Conduct

§ 145-35 Statement of general policy.

All persons employed by the Town hold a position of public trust and as a result, Town employees must present themselves in a professional and appropriate manner. Employees shall avoid any action which might create the impression of using public office for private gain, giving preferential treatment to any person, or losing impartiality in conducting Town business. Employees are expected to adhere to conduct established by state law. All employees may be subject to disciplinary action for acting in a manner that is not consistent with the following standards of conduct.

§ 145-36 Smoking policy.

Smoking shall not be allowed in any area of the municipal buildings.

§ 145-37 Political activity policy.

Participation in political activities is to be carried on outside of normal working hours. No political activities or solicitations will be conducted on Town owned property by employees during work hours or in work areas.

§ 145-38 Conflicts of interest.

In so far as this section is consistent with provisions of General Law, Chapter 268A, no employee shall maintain an outside business or financial interest, or engage in any outside business or financial activity which interferes with his/her ability to fully perform job responsibilities with the Town. Conduct of an employee shall be in accordance with the laws of the commonwealth.

§ 145-39 Gratuities.

In so far as this section is consistent with provisions of General Law, Chapter 268A, no individual employee of the Town may accept any form of gifts, gratuities, special favors or preferential treatment.

§ 145-40 Personal communication policy.

Personal out-going or in-coming telephone calls, cell phone use, and E-mail use shall be limited to an absolute minimum while at work. The use of Town communication equipment for personal use, including but not limited to, facsimile machines, the Internet, and any other computer software is strictly prohibited.

§ 145-41 Attendance; office closure.

Notice of illness and use of sick leave shall be in accordance with § 145-20 of these regulations. Any employee whose illness or disability would result in the temporary closure of a Town office shall report such illness or disability to the office of the Town Administrator who will notify the Board of Selectmen at the same time and in the same manner that such illness or disability is reported to any appointing authority.

§ 145-42 Safety policy.

Employees shall be required to wear and use the safety equipment at all times while undertaking the work for which the equipment is furnished. There shall be no exceptions.

Department heads and supervisors shall:

(1)

Assume full responsibility for ensuring the safety of working areas;

(2)

Recommend correction of deficiencies noted in work procedures, facilities, safety clothing or equipment or attitudes of employees;

(3)

Insure the availability and utilization of appropriate protective clothing and equipment;

(4)

Observe working conditions and field procedures to prevent possible safety hazards; and

(5)

Investigate and report all accidents promptly.

Each employee shall:

(1)

Observe all safety rules, operating procedures and safety practices;

(2)

Use personal protective equipment;

(3)

Report unsafe areas, conditions, or other safety problems;

(4)

Report all accidents promptly to the appropriate Supervisor.

Employees, including supervisors, violating safety rules, practices and policies may be subject to disciplinary action.

§ 145-43 Activities subject to disciplinary action.

Disciplinary action may be initiated for failure of an employee to fulfill responsibilities as an employee including the standards set forth above.

Some examples of actions which are to be considered sufficient cause for disciplinary action shall include, but is not intended to be limited to the following:

(1)

Incompetence or inefficiency in performing assigned duties;

(2)

Refusal to perform a reasonable amount of work or violation of any reasonable official order or failure to carry out any lawful and reasonable directions made by a proper supervisor;

(3)

Unexcused excessive tardiness or absence from duty;

(4)

Falsification of time sheets;

(5)

Use, possession or being under the influence of illegal narcotics or alcohol while on duty;

(6)

Misuse or unauthorized use of Town property;

(7)

Fraud in securing appointment;

(8)

Disclosure of confidential information;