Here's my "Employee Handbook"

any suggestions?

PERSONNEL POLICY MANUAL

INTRODUCTION
Landscape Contracting and maintenance is labor (people) oriented. Therefore, the success and growth of this firm, and of the industry is totally dependent upon well-trained, well-qualified and satisfied personnel.

SENIORITY
New employees are to be considered of probationary status for the first ninety (90) days of work. At the conclusion of said period, an employee’s length of continuous service shall serve purpose for seniority.
Crew chiefs have higher seniority over laborers, and foremen shall oversee crew chiefs.

WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION AND UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION
Employees are covered by State Workmen’s Compensation while on the job. (This does not extend to time driving to or from work). Further, State Unemployment Compensation covers employees for periods of unemployment.
Should an employee be dismissed from a job for reasons stated below, unemployment benefits can be denied:
1. Drunkenness.
2. Swearing or any abuse of a client or his/her property.
3. Undue abuse of company property and/or time.
4. Undue disrespect to superiors, or employer.
5. Excessive tardiness.
6. Leaving job site, or employment without just cause.
7. Refusing to fulfill the obligations of the assigned job.

POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
Established work hours:
There is not a normal workday. The day starts when scheduled by management. Pay begins upon “clocking-in” at the shop, and is terminated upon “clocking-out”, after completing the daily schedule and any additional work at the shop.
***** Please note that we prefer you to report approximately 5 - 10 minutes early so we can schedule you to a crew and so you are ready to start promptly on time.
Overtime regulation:
Generally the standard workweek is Monday to Saturday. Hours in excess of forty (40) during this period are considered “overtime”. Payment for the same shall be made at one and a half (1 1/2) times the employees’ hourly rate.
Reporting to work:
Employees are to report to work and “clock-in” at the company shop. Hours of pay do not include travel to and from the shop. Also, all employees must “clock-out” at the end of the day before leaving.
Rainy Days:
Employees will be notified at least forty-five minutes prior to the start of a normal workday whether work will be scheduled for the day.
Lunch period & Break Time:
Lunch breaks are not schedule for any certain time during the workday. Lunch will be no more than 30 minutes. The employee will be paid for no more than 30 minutes for lunch. Employees will be given periodic bathroom breaks during the workday when it is appropriate and necessary.

IMPORTANT: It is important that all workers carry lunches and drink, as the job schedule does not supply adequate time for lunch at restaurants. Do not leave lunch debris on client’s property, in vehicles, or in and around the shop. Place debris in receptacles provided for the same.

ABSENTEEISM & TARDINESS
Any company’s productivity is directly related to the productivity of its employees. The two most significant causes of poor productivity are absenteeism and tardiness. Coach’s Lawn Service, therefore relies upon its employees to not only show up for work each day, but also to be on time. Below is a policy list for absenteeism:
· Any employee who feels he/she must miss a day of work for any reason, must call Earl at 245-2854 or Steve at 245-3440 at least one hour before he/she is scheduled to report.
· Failure to call in absenteeism twice will be reason enough for dismissal.
· Employees may be dismissed if they miss a day in the first two weeks, or two days in the first month.
· Any worker who promises to work a Saturday, and then does not report will be disciplined only once and then FIRED.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION
1st offense - a warning
2nd offense - a written notice
3rd offense - a written notice or possible dismissal
*Severe Clause – Certain employee actions / choices will automatically result in termination, such as using drugs and/or drinking alcohol the job.

DRIVERS OF COMPANY VEHICLES
Our insurance company requires us to update our drivers periodically. You are required to keep your license current. If you receive a driving citation while driving your personal vehicle or company vehicle, you must notify management immediately. The insurance company checks your record with the State police, so tell the truth. Drivers will not back a vehicle into a tight area (such as our driveway) without someone in the rear for guidance. All scratches, dents or other problems shall be reported to management no matter how minor the damage is. At the end of the day, all vehicles with less than one half a tank must be fueled. Also, all debris must be cleaned out by day’s end.

CLOTHING AND HYGIENE
It is a company policy that all employees wear appropriate work boots at all times. Also, company shirts/sweatshirts/jackets must be worn. Each employee shall receive t-shirts. Additional clothing will be made available to you at our cost. Employees are expected to report to work neat & clean wearing an appropriate uniform.

SAFETY
We desire to provide you with a safe place to work, and safe equipment to operate. We have been very fortunate that no one has been seriously injured. Each employee shall have access to gloves, glasses, goggles and ear protection. No employee is to operate any power equipment without proper safety equipment or clothing. Anyone found operating an edger, trimmer, hedge trimmer, etc. without proper eye protection will be disciplined. Also, anyone using large push blowers, hedge trimmers, etc. without proper ear protection will be disciplined.
If you are hurt on the job, report your injury to a supervisor immediately, so corrective measures may be taken and an injury report completed.
Smokers: For the safety of all persons, smoking is prohibited except during breaks. Fire safety is an application of common sense.
Jewelry: Earrings should be limited to studs only as hanging earrings can easily get snagged on equipment and/or trees, shrubs etc. Also, loose fitting jewelry should be kept inside of your clothes.
Long hair: Anyone with shoulder length hair or longer must keep their hair in a ponytail or under a hat.
Safety of others:
***** You should always be aware of fellow workers and pedestrians around you. Use common sense when operating power equipment at all times; this will limit potential problems.
Example 1.
Shut off or “idle down” power equipment when pedestrians are passing by.
Example 2.
Be aware of direction of discharged debris from edgers, trimmers, mowers, etc. when working in close proximity of other workers.


INTOXICATING BEVERAGES AND/OR DRUGS
Drugs or alcohol use during company time will result in IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL.
If an employee is perceived to be under the influence of drugs/alcohol at the beginning of the day by a supervisor, that individual will be sent home for the day. If this happens a second time, the employee will be DISMISSED- NO EXCEPTIONS.

 

SAFETY MANUAL
For
Coach’s Lawn Service
General Lawn Safety
Coach’s Lawn Service spends considerable time, effort, and money on grounds maintenance. From flower care, to lawn care, and leaf blowing, Coach’s Lawn Service employees are responsible for safely maintaining the grounds at job sites. Gardening tools and mechanical lawn care devices, such a lawn mowers, power blowers, and trimmers, present special safety concerns for grounds maintenance personnel.
Common landscaping accidents include the following:
· Cuts, lacerations, or amputations from whirling mower blades.
· Bruises or broken bones from flying projectiles.
· Burns from hot equipment parts
· Electrical shock from faulty grounding or defective electrical cords
· Back strain from improper equipment usage
· Slips, trips, and falls
Regardless of the type of landscape equipment you use, follow these basic guidelines to ensure optimum safety:
· Read the equipment owner's manual. (Provided)
· Use the right equipment for the job at hand.
· Inspect the equipment before each use.
· Know how to control and stop the equipment quickly.
· Wear personal protection equipment, as necessary:
· Eye protection
· Hearing protection
· Long pants
· Sturdy shoes
· Work gloves
· Apply sunscreen to exposed areas of skin.
· Be careful to avoid fatigue and heat stress
· Drink plenty of water
· Take breaks
· Do not operate powered equipment if you are tired, sick, or taking medication.
· Take special precautions when working with electrical equipment. If you are using an extension cord, take care not to accidentally cut it.
· Do not smoke around gas-powered equipment. Allow hot equipment to cool before refueling.
· Make sure that all guards are in place and in good condition.
Chain Saw Safety
Chain saws are ideal for trimming trees and cutting fallen limbs into smaller pieces. Unfortunately, chain saws are associated with many serious injuries each year. Due to higher liability and workers’ compensation insurance, Coach’s Lawn Service will not allow any of their employees to use a chain saw. You MUST use a handsaw.

Hand Tools
Although garden hand tools tend to be safer than powered equipment, common gardening tools, such as rakes, shovels, and hoes cause thousands of injuries each year. Follow these guidelines for using garden hand tools.
· Keep hand tools in good condition. Replace split or rotten handles. Keep blades sharp.
· Buy quality tools that fit your needs and your build. For example, if you are tall, choose tools with handles that are long enough to prevent you from stooping over your work.
· Never leave a rake, shovel, or hoe on the ground facing up. Foot injuries from exposed metal and hand injuries from handles that pop up unexpectedly are the main hazards associated with these tools.
Power Blowers
Because power leaf blowers produce air gusts up to 200 mph, you must follow all manufacturers’ safety precautions. Always walk towards your work when using a power leaf blower. Do not back away from your work.

Mower Safety
Mowers are the most common type of lawn care equipment. To avoid injury with power mower equipment, you must pay close attention to your surroundings. Whether you use a riding mower or a walk-behind mower, follow these guidelines for lawn mower safety:
· Conduct a premowing inspection of the lawn and remove any debris, rocks, limbs, or other items that could become a projectile. Look for concealed hazards such as holes.
· Keep hands and feet away from moving blades.
· Fill the tank with gas before beginning work. (By filling the tank initially, you can avoid having to fill the tank later when it is hot.)
· Also when filling the gas tank, always fill it in the road, driveway are sidewalk. Never fill the tank on grass.
· Replace loud or faulty mufflers.
· Shut off the engine before unclogging, servicing, or adjusting the mower and before removing the grass bag. For added protection, remove the ignition wire before working on the machine.


ZTR Mower Safety
In addition to the general guidelines for mower safety, follow these guidelines for riding lawn mower safety:
· Before starting the engine, make sure the transmission is out of gear and the mower blade clutch is disengaged.
· Never allow extra riders on the lawn mower.
· Slow down when turning and when working on slopes. Mow up and down slopes rather than across them.
· Always look behind you before backing.
· If you hit a large rock or stump, stop the mower and inspect the blades and shaft. Replace damaged blades.
· Never leave a running lawn mower unattended. Before leaving the seat, park the mower on a flat area, disengage the mower blades, and remove the ignition key.
Walk-Behind Mowers
In addition to the general guidelines for mower safety, follow these guidelines for walk-behind mower safety:
· Wear sturdy shoes with good traction. Never wear sandals around walk-behind mowers.
· Do not bypass the safety device that stops the blade when the operator releases his/her grip on the handle.
· Mow across slopes rather than up and down slopes.
· Work slowly and patiently when mowing tall grass or tough weeds. Forcing the mower may cause repeated clogs and engine stalls.
· Never leave a running mower unattended. If you stop momentarily, cut the throttle to idle and make sure the mower will not roll away.
Trimming Equipment
Follow these safety guidelines for trimming equipment such as hedge trimmers, string trimmers, grass shears, and edgers:
· Avoid touching rocks, debris, and gravel with trimming equipment. These items could cause a serious injury if a kickback occurs.
· Make sure all screws and chains are tight. Vibrating equipment can cause screws to loosen.
· Walk towards your work. Do not back away from your work when using a trimmer.
· Always wear eye and ear protection.
Ear and Eye Protection
Eye and ear protection are available to all employees.
· All employees are required to wear ear protection when operating power equipment.
· All employees are required to wear eye protection when operating a trimmer.
Hydration / General Health
· Water will be provided. While working in the heat of the Oklahoma sun, employees need to drink lots of water throughout the workday. Dehydration of the body can cause death or other serious injuries.
· All employees are suggested to wear some type of sunscreen or skin block.
If you have any questions asked your supervisor.
IMPORTANT: Keep pedestrians and bystanders at least 30 feet away when using powered equipment.
Thank you,

Owners:
Earl Shockley
Steve Anderson
PERSONNEL POLICY ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I have received a copy of the Personnel Policy Manual and Safety Manual and I understand its contents. I understand that the rules regulations, procedures and benefits contained are not promissory or contractual in nature and are subject to change by the company. Further I understand that the company, or I can terminate my employment at any time, for any reason, and that the employment is not for any stated period. No statement, either written or oral by any company representative can vary these conditions of employment.


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PRINT NAME



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SIGNATURE







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Signature of Coach’s Lawn Service Representative


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Date

 

Looks good to me, seems like you have covered all the bases pretty thoroughly.

I love the "seniority" clause though

 

Damn that's a lot of typing. My hands would be tired.

Looks like no stone was left unturned.

 

You forgot to use the word on. As in ON the job.


*Severe Clause – Certain employee actions / choices will automatically result in termination, such as using drugs and/or drinking alcohol the job.

Other than that, I liked it.

Kevin

 

Run it by a lawyer who is versed in labor law. Most states view handbooks as binding contracts. The reason I say this is that I'm not quite sure, but I believe your lunch break policy may not be up to par, the gov't has strict regulations concerning hours worked without a lunchbreak. Also, no sexual harassment clause in your book. A lawyer will make sure you are not overlooking something that may come back to bite you.

 

tEAM GOPHER GAVE ME PART OF IT AND I FOUND ANOTHER PART ON THE INTERNET, AND JUST REVISED IT



ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS

 

Foot protection? I am not sure if U require boots or what ever just mite be something to touch on so you dont have someone in sandles .

 

Hi wrestlingcoach,

Nice work! Could we include your update in our freebie download section here?