Dogs In The Workplace
Introduction
Dogs in the workplace is an idea that was started in Britain in 1996 as “Take Your Dog to Work Day”. It was a day where employees were allowed to bring their dogs along to their workplace for a day. The United States has followed the lead of Britain, with some businesses following the practice in 1999. After realizing the benefits of allowing employees to bring their dogs to work, the number of employers embracing this practice on a permanent basis is increasing constantly, with some of the most admired companies in the country allowing dogs.
Purpose and Scope
Our company has experienced an increase in the number of workers compensation claims among office workers. This phenomenon, along with increased length of hours worked per day, an increase of sick days taken, and a significant decrease in the overall satisfaction of employees. The addition of pets has a therapeutic benefit, and is shown to increase overall satisfaction of most employees.
Assumptions
It is generally assumed by employers that dogs in the workplace would be a nuisance and a distraction, and the level of cleanliness would suffer because of the dogs being in the building. It is also assumed that there is a significant risk of injuries because of bites and tripping injuries. Employers also assume that there may serious legalities regarding this practice
Legalities
OSHA has no regulations disallowing the practice of employees bringing their dogs to the workplace. The General Duty Clause of Section 5 of 29CFR states that an employer must provide a workplace that is free of recognizable hazards that are likely to cause serious injury or death to employees. The addition of dogs does not violate this regulation. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Labor and Industry, has no regulations regarding pets. Through research, I have been unable to find any government regulations regarding the practice.... So no fine or rules broken... (http://../jscripts/tiny_mce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-surprised.gif) I do not consider it a workplace since I amjust ridin the hood of the vermin... Alll dogs welcome.......