WHEREAS, violence in the workplace is a growing concern at all
levels of government; and
WHEREAS, violence against employees can take many forms including
harassment, threats and physical acts of violence; and
WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey recognizes its obligation to
provide a safe, respectful and harmonious work environment for each
of its employees; and
WHEREAS, each employee has the right to a workplace free from
violence and threats of violence; and
WHEREAS, because of the unique nature of their work, government
employees may be at increased risk of violence in the workplace;
and
WHEREAS, the Department of Personnel has conducted relevant research
on workplace violence and is responsible for all aspects of employment
and employee development on behalf of the citizen-employees in State
departments, agencies and organizations;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHRISTINE TODD WHITMAN, Governor of the State
of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:
1. The policy of the State of New Jersey shall be that harassment,
intimidation, violence or threats of violence by or against its
employees shall not be tolerated, and that the State of New Jersey
shall not tolerate any violence or threats of violence against
any State property or installation.
2. The Commissioner of Personnel shall recommend strategies
for prevention, action and reaction to incidents of workplace
violence and provide each department, office, division or agency
of State government with technical assistance and/or consultative
services in order to implement this policy.
3. This Order shall take effect immediately.
GIVEN, under my hand and seal
this 17th day of April in the Year
of Our Lord One Thousand Nine
Hundred and Ninety-Six and of the
Independence of the United States,
the Two Hundred and Nineteenth.
/s/ Christine Todd Whitman
Governor
Attest:
/s/ Margaret M. Foti
Chief Counsel to the Governor
|