[HISTORY: Adopted by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Bergenfield 7-16-1996 by Ord. No. 2199. Amendments noted where applicable.]
The Borough of Bergenfield hereby adopts a formal policy on drug and alcohol abuse which shall be distributed to every employee of the Borough of Bergenfield and which shall be strictly enforced.
The Borough of Bergenfield (the "Borough") has a strong commitment to the health, safety and welfare of its employees and their families. Widely available statistics and information establish that the incidence of drug and alcohol abuse is increasing and that the effect is devastating to lives, business and the community at large. The Borough of Bergenfield is concerned that because of the potential for abuse among some of our employees, the safety of our employees, and the general public could be endangered. Our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure workplace requires a clear policy and supportive programs relating to the detection, treatment, and prevention of substance abuse by employees.
It is the goal of the Borough of Bergenfield to provide a safe workplace by eliminating the hazards to health and job safety created by alcohol and other drug abuse. We believe this goal to be in the best interest of our employees, our customers and our stockholders.
A. 
This policy applies to all employees of the Borough while on the job and to situations where an employee's off-the-job or off-premises conduct impairs work performance or undermines public confidence in or harms the reputation of the Borough of Bergenfield. It is also intended to apply to employees of firms doing business with the Borough while on our premises.
B. 
Although the Borough has no intention of intruding into the private lives of its employees, we recognize that involvement with alcohol and other drugs off the job eventually takes it toll on job performance. Our concern is to ensure that employees report to work in a condition to perform their duties safely and efficiently in the interest of their fellow workers and themselves.
A. 
The Borough will not tolerate or condone substance abuse. It is the policy of the Borough of Bergenfield to maintain a workplace free from alcohol and other drug abuse and its effects.
B. 
It is the policy of the Borough of Bergenfield that employees who engage in the sale, use, possession, or transfer of illegal drugs or controlled substances, or who offer to buy or sell such substances; the use of alcohol during working hours; or the abuse of prescribed drugs will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
C. 
It is the policy of the Borough of Bergenfield to commit the resources necessary to achieve and maintain a drug-free and alcohol-free environment.
D. 
The Borough of Bergenfield expects the full support of this policy by all employees and all persons doing business with the Borough.
A. 
To provide a safe, drug-free and alcohol-free working environment, the Borough will:
(1) 
Establish definitive rules and regulations.
(2) 
Provide increased awareness through training, education, and communication on the subject of alcohol and other drug abuse.
(3) 
Recognize that there may be employees who have an alcohol or other drug problem and stand willing to assist in the resolution of that problem by encouraging employees to seek help through employee assistance programs.
B. 
In addition, the Borough will take any or all of the following actions:
(1) 
Conduct alcohol and other drug screen tests, both prospective to and during employment.
(2) 
Inspect persons and their property in our employ or doing business with the Borough.
(3) 
Cooperate with outside law enforcement agencies.
(4) 
Take any other actions deemed necessary and appropriate by the Borough.
As a responsible employer and member of the community, the Borough will:
A. 
Create an awareness in employees and their families of the impact of substance abuse.
B. 
Administer programs that consider employee rights, are positive in their intent, and are within legal boundaries.
C. 
Support the establishment of programs to assist employees with alcohol and other drug abuse or dependency problems.
D. 
Utilize all channels and resources available to it to educate and increase the awareness of employees and of the general public.
E. 
Support local and national efforts to combat alcohol and other drug abuse and its effects.
The Borough of Bergenfield believes that each employee has the responsibility to:
A. 
Report to work at all times free of alcohol or other drugs and their effects.
B. 
Participate in and support Borough-sponsored drug and alcohol education programs.
C. 
Seek and accept assistance for alcohol and other drug abuse among employees where it exists.
Each division, subsidiary, or affiliate of the Borough of Bergenfield will be responsible for establishing and implementing detailed policy and procedures, specific to its needs, in support of this policy. Each of these policies is subject to central review for consistency with the Borough's policy. Responsibility for interpretation of the Borough's policy falls to the Borough's Human Resources Department.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Borough of Bergenfield DOT Alcohol and Drug Testing Policy is on file in the office of the Municipal Clerk.