On February 20, 2025, UPE had a meet and confer with the County of Merced Department of Public Health. This meeting was held regarding the Department’s proposed Workplace Violence Prevention Program (WVPP) addendums A & B and their potential impacts on employees for that Department.
The WVPP is designed to establish clear protocols for preventing and managing workplace violence incidents by outlining essential procedures for incident reporting, training, actions, and communication to ensure a safe working environment for all employees. Key elements such as maintaining incident logs, conducting training, and proactively identifying hazards were discussed to reflect commitment to employee safety. Areas of concern and safety protocols were discussed, including but not limited to Parking Lots, Building Access, Field Assignments, Employee Only Access Doors, Cashier / Money Handling, Incoming Mail, Bomb Threat, Civil Disturbance, Active Shooter, Arson, and Emergency Lockdown.
During the discussion, UPE proposed, and it was agreed, to strengthen the cashier and money handling policy by adding language that prioritizes employee safety in cases where an individual attempts to steal money, employees should flee if possible. Additionally, if an employee is transporting money and faces an attempted robbery or direct threat, they are permitted to drop the money or county valuables and flee to ensure their safety.
Further, UPE proposed, and it was agreed, that members will also be able to report incidents confidentially through an anonymous safety suggestion box located at the worksite or via a secure online submission link designed to protect anonymity. Further, UPE proposed and secured the inclusion of language to mention Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources at the end of Addendum A, ensuring employees are aware of the support services available to them should they need them after experiencing an incident. Notably, it was also agreed that for field assignments, employees may submit an incident report if they feel uncomfortable when visiting a location. Additionally, in the event of a bomb threat phone call, an employee may request a supervisor, if available, to handle the call instead.
UPE would like to thank governing board member, Carmelita Rodriguez, for her advocacy and participation.
