last updated: Thursday, July 1, 2004
SUNY campuses are concerned about the health and safety of their environments. Persons impaired by the use of drugs or alcohol create an intolerable hazard for all members of the campus community and therefore cannot be tolerated. Employees and supervisors should be guided by the following information which can be found in the New York State Web-based Orientation program under "Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace" in the references at the end of this section.
"New York State employees are subject to criminal, civil and disciplinary penalties if they distribute, sell, attempt to sell, possess or purchase controlled substances while at the workplace or while performing in a work-related capacity. Such illegal acts, even if engaged in while off duty, may result in disciplinary action. In those locations where it is permitted, an employee may possess and use a controlled substance that is properly prescribed for the employee by a physician.
Employees are also prohibited from on-the-job use of, or impairment from alcohol. If a supervisor has a reasonable suspicion that an employee is unable to perform job duties due to a disability that may be caused by the use of controlled substances or alcohol, that employee may be required to undergo medical testing. If the cause of the disability is found to be drug or alcohol related, the human resources or employee relations officer, in conjunction with the employee's supervisor, may refer the employee to voluntary and confidential participation in the statewide Employee Assistance Program. Other available options include pursuing disability leave procedures or disciplinary measures."
Reference(s):
NYS Drug
and Alcohol Free Workplace Orientation (GOER)
http://www.goer.state.ny.us/orientation/policies.html#drugs
Drug
and Alcohol Free Workplace On-Line Training from the Governor's Office of Employee
Relations (GOER)
http://www.goer.state.ny.us/Train/onlinelearning/DFW/intro.html