In County Policy

Drug-free Policy Policy revised on April 8, 1999 PURPOSE This policy reflects San Mateo County’s position on alcohol and drug problems. It is intended to negate informal practices that may exist in connection with alcohol and drug problems, especially those that lead to the cover-up and protection of the abuser. It puts a responsibility on all levels of management to be alert to unsatisfactory or still acceptable but deteriorating job performance, and to follow the Program whenever this occurs. POLICY San Mateo County recognizes alcohol and drug problems as treatable. For the purpose of this Policy, alcohol and drug problems exist when an employee’s consumptionRead More →

In FAQs

First, review the Dealing with the Impaired Employee: Employee Relations Bulletin 5, located under Procedures. If you suspect that an employee is under the influence of alcohol or drugs while at work it is recommended that you take the following steps: Note your observations using the Objective Signs of Impairment Checklist. This form is available in the Employee Relations Handbook and can be obtained by following the directions outlined above. Ask another manager or supervisor to complete a checklist without reviewing the checklist you completed. If the other manager or supervisor also has concerns that the employee is impaired from performing his/her duties, you should sendRead More →

In Procedures

COUNTY OF SAN MATEO HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT Inter-Departmental Correspondence DATE: April 2015 TO: All Management Employees FROM: Nicole McKay, Employee & Labor Relations Manager SUBJECT: Employee Relations Bulletin 5 Dealing with the Impaired Employee We have received a number of questions asking what to do when you suspect that an employee is under the influence of alcohol or drugs while at work. Listed below are recommended steps to follow: First, you should annotate your observations. The attached checklist is an excellent document to use for this purpose. Next, you should ask another manager to observe the employee and complete a checklist without reviewing the checklistRead More →

In 8. Conducting Employee Investigations

Follow these recommended steps if you suspect that an employee is under the influence of alcohol or drugs while at work. Listed below are recommended steps to follow: First, annotate your observations. Please use the Objective Signs of Impairment Checklist for this purpose. Next, ask another manager/supervisor to observe the employee and complete a checklist without reviewing the checklist you have completed. In this way, you have two independent observations of the employee. If the other manager/supervisor concurs that the employee is impaired from performing his/her duties, you should send the employee home. Do not allow the employee to drive. You should have the employeeRead More →