Oklahoma OKs guns in workplace parking lots
Annie get your gun…or at least keep it handy in your car while parked at work, because it’s legal in Oklahoma.
Employers cannot use OSHA leverage to prohibit workers from keeping firearms in vehicles while on company property, says the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. The Court’s ruling on this matter will stand after the filing deadline passed for further legal appeals, according to a May 20 news release from Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office.
Federal OSHA recognizes the hazards of workplace violence and strongly encouraging employers to develop policies to minimize the risk. In workplace violence prevention guidelines for healthcare settings, OSHA identifies the presence of guns as risk factor.
Even so, it appears the second amendment trumps employer firearm policies at the point of a locked car door in a company parking lot.
Do you think an employer has the right to prohibit firearms in worker vehicles when on company property? Is this even a consideration at your facility, and do you have a rule for it. Let us know in the comment section below.
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David LaHoda
David LaHoda, the managing editor of Medical Environment Update and OSHA Watch, has produced healthcare training videos and consulted for medical practices and ambulatory healthcare facilities.
David has written 196 posts.
Comments
I work for the dept of corrections in my state. Ironicly my job is that of Occupational Safety Consultant. Our state requires all state, county,and city governments provide lock boxes for firearms storage for citizens conducting business in that building. employers are required to allow storage of firearms in locked vehicles in the parking lot. The exception is the prisons which prohibit the public from bringing guns in and employees must use gun lockers in the armory area..
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