5-10-008 “For Cause” Defined

(1) “For cause” is defined as: circumstances in which the employer has reasonable “cause” to believe that an employee is under the influence of illegal drugs, marijuana, prescription medication not prescribed for the employee, alcohol, or a medication (including over-the-counter medication) that interferes with the employee’s ability to perform his/her job duties, or is otherwise in violation of this policy.

(2) Cause may be based on, without limitation, information regarding the appearance, behavior, speech, attitude, mood, and/or breath odor of an employee; performance behaviors and actions that a reasonable and prudent person would believe constitutes a potential safety hazard, either to themselves or others; or actions or patterns of actions and behaviors that could indicate that an employee may be impaired. This includes, but is not limited to:

(a) Documentation of a pattern of unsatisfactory work-related performance behaviors;

(b) Physical symptoms that could indicate substance abuse, such as slurred speech, staggering gait, poor coordination, bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils, etc.;

(d) Having the odor of alcohol or marijuana on the breath;

(e) Reckless operation of equipment or vehicles;

(f) Flagrant violations of safety and/or operating procedures;

(g) Accidents involving property damage or serious injury;

(h) Loss of consciousness resulting from an accident or for an unknown reason. [Res. 2022-10-016 § 1, 2022.]