Workplace Safety
College of Eastern Idaho takes every reasonable precaution to ensure that employees have a safe working environment. Safety measures and rules are in place for the protection of all employees. Realization of a safe work environment requires attention and responsibility at every level. It is the responsibility of each employee to cooperate with CEI’s safety guidelines and to fully follow all procedures relating to safety rules.
For more information on workplace safety, please see Policy 210: Workplace Safety.
Drugs and Alcohol
CEI has a strong commitment to the health, safety and welfare of our employees, students, and visitors. Consequently, it is the policy of CEI to provide a safe and drug-free work environment. Widely available statistics and information establish that the incidence of drug and alcohol abuse is increasing, and the effect is devastating to the lives, business, and the community at large. 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. CEI strictly prohibits the unauthorized use, possession, manufacture, distribution, dispersal, purchase or sale of controlled substances or alcohol on CEI properties, as part of its activities, or in the performance of an employee’s duties, except as noted below.
Only upon the express approval of CEI’s President, limited quantities of beer or wine may be served, on occasion, at CEI-sponsored social events, dinners or business conferences, for the sole purpose of entertaining guests. Only the moderate and limited use of alcohol is acceptable by employees at such pre-approved events, and employees are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible and professional manner at all times.
All employees are responsible for their compliance with this policy, and with local, state and federal laws. Reporting to work under the influence of controlled substances or alcohol is prohibited. Each employee must be able to perform work in a condition that presents a favorable public image and contributes to a climate of safety and well-being for the employee, faculty, staff, students, and the public.
Adherence to this policy is a condition of employment with CEI. Violation of this policy may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
For additional information, please see Policy 120: Drugs and Alcohol
Tobacco Products On-Campus
CEI is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for its employees, students and visitors. In light of findings of the U.S. Surgeon General that exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke and use of tobacco are significant health hazards, it is CEI’s intent to establish a smoke and tobacco-free environment.
Tobacco products include any lighted smoking instrument such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, as well as not lighted instruments such as electronic cigarettes, hookahs, vapes and all smokeless products. In accordance with Idaho Code Title 39 Chapter 55, the Clean Indoor Air Act, and CEI Policy 501: Tobacco Products On-Campus, the use of tobacco products is prohibited in CEI buildings or within twenty (20) feet of any entrance or exit to CEI buildings, at events on CEI premises, or in CEI-owned, rented or leased vehicles.
For additional information, please see Policy 501: Tobacco Products On-Campus
Workplace Violence
CEI is committed to providing a work environment free from violence for all employees. CEI will not tolerate any form of violence. All employees share the responsibility to make and keep the work place safe. This commitment includes restricting recognized hazards from the CEI community that contribute to violence and may result in serious harm. Accordingly, the possession of firearms/weapons on CEI properties or in CEI vehicles is subject to the guidelines set forth in the policy on Weapons on Campus.
Violence and threats of violence may include but are not limited to physically aggressive acts of hitting – shoving – fighting, verbal or physical threats (communicated or implied) to harm another, endanger safety or destroy property, actions that have a potential for violence including throwing objects, waving fists, and destroying property, obsessively directed behavior including telephone harassment and stalking, inappropriate use or display of firearms, weapons, or dangerous devices. This policy extends to any use of email, social media, or any other form of communication whether in person or not.
Violations of this policy may result in the following sanctions: (i) exclusion or expulsion in the case of students; (ii) disciplinary action up to termination of employment in the case of faculty and staff; (iii) exclusion from campus in the case of members of the public; and (iv) prosecution under appropriate local, state or federal laws.
Weapons On-Campus
A safe and secure environment is fundamental to fulfilling CEI’s mission. CEI is committed to maintaining an environment free of violence. This obligation includes restricting recognized hazards from the campus community that contribute to violence or serious harm.
Accordingly, the possession, wearing, carrying, transporting, or use of a weapon, except pursuant to an exemption expressly stated in adopted procedures, is strictly prohibited on college-owned or controlled premises. This prohibition extends to any person with a government-issued permit or license, unless specifically covered by an exception to the prohibition per Idaho Statute.
Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action and the following sanctions:
- Exclusion or expulsion, in the case of students; or
- Exclusion or dismissal from employment, in the case of faculty and staff; or
- Exclusion from campus, in the case of the public; or
- Prosecution under appropriate local, state or federal laws
For additional information, please see Policy 417: Weapons On-Campus.