Federal and state gun laws have ramifications for employees and employers alike.
Some employees argue that it is their right to have a weapon in their vehicle to protect them self during their commute to work.
On the other side, there has been litigation about whether laws that allow employees to possess weapons on an employer’s property are inconsistent with, and therefore preempted by OSHA’s general duty clause, which provides that each employer “shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.”
With this background, employers are well-advised to look at their rules on weapons. Of course, check state law to make sure you don’t overreach and end up with a claim under the laws in one of the states in which gun rights trump property rights.
If you are going to allow firearms in employees’ vehicles, what steps will you take to minimize risks?
Have you contacted your representatives to let them know your position on this issue?