Children in the Workplace

Purpose

1.1
The University of Nebraska Medical Center values an atmosphere that fosters a worklife balance between work and family responsibilities. UNMC believes in an environment that is conducive to work, and in which health and safety concerns of employees, students and staff are respected and disruptions are minimized.

Scope

2.1
This policy is applicable to all UNMC faculty, staff and students.

Basis of the Policy

3.1
To comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Nebraska Child Labor Laws, Title 180 NAC Nebraska Regulations for Control of Radiation, Section 6.8 of the Bylaws of the Board of Regents, Addendum "A" Statement Of Self-Insurance Coverage Provided By The University Of Nebraska General Self-Insurance Program Board of Regents Policies.

Authorities and Administration

4.1
The Assistant Vice Chancellor, Business & Finance, Safety Leadership Team and the Safety Manager are responsible for the administration of this policy at the campus level.

Business unit management is responsible for policy adherence within their departments.

Policy

5.1
UNMC does not permit the presence of children in the workplace in lieu of child care arrangements. The presence of children, visitors or family members during work hours, except for an occasional basis for a brief visit, is to be avoided. Parents are responsible for childcare arrangements and planning alternatives for childcare. Parents may use vacation time when childcare issues arise.

As a rule, it is inappropriate for children to be in the workplace on a regular or sporadic basis, such as after school each day, on holidays when day care is not available, or when children are ill. In the rare instance when there are no other alternatives, and a staff member must bring a child to the workplace, advance approval should be obtained from the supervisor and the duration of the child's visit to the workplace should be kept to a minimum. It is essential that parents provide close constant supervision of their children while they are in the workplace. Children who are ill should never be brought to the workplace.

In the unavoidable circumstance when a child must be in the workplace, under no circumstances may the child have access to any confidential information, including but not limited to patient information, student educational information, or proprietary information. This prohibition cannot be waived by the department manager or supervisor.

It is important to note that due to some work environments and the duties of the parent, children cannot be permitted in the work area at anytime. There are many areas of the medical center where hazardous materials or equipment are located, or where hazardous operations are conducted. These include patient care areas, laboratories, shops, animal areas, power plants, etc. The risk of accident or injury in these areas is increased for those who are unfamiliar with safety requirements. Therefore, children under 18 are not allowed in these areas. Exceptions may be granted for job shadowing, guided tours or other reasons if appropriate precautionary measures are taken, including written consent of parent or guardian, and direct adult supervision.

Because of child labor laws, under no circumstances should a child under the age of 16 will be allowed to perform work for the University. Family members who serve as volunteers must comply with UNMC Policy #6053 Reporting of Non-faculty Volunteer Policy . Volunteers must be issued a photo ID (Reference UNMC Policy #6008 Identification Card Policy). Volunteers and job shadowing participants must comply with UNMC Policy #6045 Privacy, Confidentiality and Information Security Policy.

Any employee that brings their child into the workplace without approval of their supervisor will be requested to leave and use available vacation, personal leave or leave without pay. Individuals that fail to cooperate shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. (Reference: UNMC Policy #1098 Corrective and Disciplinary Action Policy)

For information on job shadowing see the Job Shadowing Program and UNMC Policy #6045 Privacy, Confidentiality and Information Security Policy.

Equal Employment Opportunity

6.1
The University of Nebraska Medical Center declares and affirms a policy of equal educational and employment opportunities, affirmative action in employment, and nondiscrimination in providing its services to the public. Therefore, the University of Nebraska Medical Center shall not discriminate against anyone based on race, age, color, disability, religion, sex, national or ethnic origin, marital status, genetic information, Vietnam-era veteran status, or special disabled Veteran status. Sexual harassment in any form, including hostile environment and quid pro quo, is prohibited.

For additional information, contact Safety Management at 559-7315.

Reviewed and approved by UNMC Safety Leadership Team

This is a new policy

This page created on Thursday, October 8, 2009 by dkp.

Last Review by Policy Owner: September 1, 2009