The MEL Safety Institute has developed the following Model Policy Templates for our members.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
These are “Model Policy Templates” – NOT – final policies. Each member must review the templates, discuss the options with your municipal attorney, and finalize the policies that are best suited to your needs. These sample policies and procedures are not intended to be all-encompassing and are believed to conform to current law and practice at the time of preparation. However, municipalities and authorities are cautioned to seek legal advice from a qualified employment attorney before adopting any employment policies and procedures.
Model Policies
CDL and Non-CDL Driver Policies
Message From the Safety Director
The MEL Safety Institute is pleased to be able to provide our members with these newly updated CDL and Non-CDL model policies. These models have been developed by experts in the field, but it is important to note the following before adapting to meet your municipalities needs:
- All non-italicized print in the Final NJDOT CDL policy is mandatory under federal law. Provisions that are italicized are optional.
- The entire NON-CDL policy is optional. If you decide to adopt a policy of this type, there are many options available to you including the establishment of a “zero tolerance” policy with respect to marijuana (medical or recreational). Please make sure you discuss the options with your municipal attorney and your governing body prior to the adoption of any policy.
- One of the essential elements of the policies is the requirement to name a Designated Employer Representative (DER) and a backup. There are several member Joint Insurance Funds throughout the State that have scheduled training classes for this program. Please check with your JIF to verify the available dates. It is critical that you send at least the person you intend to designate and another employee that would be available as a backup in case the DER is not available.
If you have any questions about these model policies, please contact your local JIF Safety Director.
CDL and Non-CDL Model Policies
Click to download a copy of the following new model policy documents:
- CDL Model Template Policies for Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use and Testing Policies for New Jersey Public Agencies
- Non-CDL Model Template Policies for Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use and Testing Policies for New Jersey Public Agencies
- Non-CDL Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use and Testing Policies for New Jersey Public Agencies Forms Toolkit
- Final NJDOT CDL policy
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Read Disclaimer Before Using the Form
The “Consent to Check Motor Vehicle Records” form was prepared to assist our clients as part of their overall safety program. To the best of our knowledge and belief, the form complies with current law and practice at the time of preparation. However, we recommend that all entities and authorities contact their attorney or labor counsel, and have them review the form before issuing the form to any employees to make sure there is no conflict with any local ordinance or collective bargaining agreement.
Transitional Duty
According to a report authored by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, unnecessary, prolonged work absence can cause significant harm to a worker’s well-being. Workers who are on extended disability often lose social relationships with co-workers, as well as the self-respect and self-esteem that comes from earning a living.
For many workers, their job is part of their identity, and being kept away by illness or injury is a very stressful experience. By allowing a more accelerated return to work and more significant support during recovery, transitional duty programs can help employees reduce the stress and disruption that injuries or illness cause in their daily lives, leading to better recovery.
Transitional Duty programs offer time-limited, modified and meaningful work assignments to employees who, due to an on the job injury or illness, have been rendered temporarily incapable of meeting the physical demands of their usual duties. These assignments are modified to accommodate the physical limitations imposed by injury or illness, as determined by medical professionals involved in the care of the worker.
Resources:
Protecting Children Model Policies
Protecting children has always been a major MEL priority, and it is up to all of us to do everything possible to prevent and report child abuse. Child abuse is a major challenge facing many community institutions including churches, sports programs, and organizations providing a broad range of services to youth. All agencies are at risk because they are a major source of youth recreation, daycare, and other direct service programs.
To address this challenge, MEL has developed a model policy and our members that ensures that programs include the safeguards and protections needed when providing services for children.
In addition, the MEL has developed specific training programs for elected officials, managers, supervisors, employees, camp counselors, and volunteers involved in programs serving children. The training assists members in recognizing issues affecting children and understanding their responsibility to act in the child’s best interest.
The video is available below, however, if viewed through the MSI LMS it will record in your learning history.
Our focus on our children is another major step forward in achieving our vision: a culture of safety in all of the communities and organizations we serve throughout New Jersey.
Resources
- Addressing the Protection and Safe Treatment of Minors and FAQ (Model Policy June 2021)
- Protecting Children Resource Guide Booklet
- Protecting Children Article: League of Municipalities Magazine
- Legal Decisions: Child Abuse
- Protecting Children Initiative (MEL Letter)
Background Checks Vendors
List of Responders:
1. CastleBranch, Wilmington, NC – Response Document
2. Adam Safeguard & Inquiry Systems Inc., Toms River, NJ – Response Document
3. Southern Background Services, LLC – Hazlehurst, GA – Response Document
4. Tabb Inc., Chester, NJ – Response Document 1, Response Document 2
5. TruView BSI, LLC, Hicksville, NY – Response Document
The MEL Board authorized the release of a Request for Qualifications to qualify vendors able to provide Background Checks. The MEL’s “Protection & Safe Treatment of Minors and FAQ” model policy calls for increased background checks and members were looking for assistance in identifying vendors. We have received submissions from five vendors listed above and the results can be viewed here:
Municipal Excess Liability Joint Insurance Fund
9 Campus Drive, Suite 216,
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Phone: 201.881.7632
Fax: 201.881.7633
mel@permainc.com
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