Disgruntled Former Employee and Workplace Safety

[thedeepravine]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? California.

Recently, a co-worker quit her front office position at a community clinic. She was very unhappy, and submitted a letter of resignation. At a later date, she accused her former supervisor of creating a hostile work environment.

Many of her co-workers were glad to see her go, as she would often be the source of negativity and work place strife.

Since quitting, she has been seen around the clinic, roaming the halls, and talking with former co-workers. Her presence immediately gives her access to sensitive materials including confidential patient information. (I am not accusing her of inappropriately acquiring these materials that are pharmacological or confidential in nature). More than one current employee has expressed concern for their safety in light of her re-appearance at the clinic.

Our Human Resources manager seems to be down-playing her presence. (He has known her for more than 5 years outside of work). He appears to be taking a wait and see attitude to the matter.

He claims that there is "nothing at this moment that will prevent a former employee from accessing the building." Many of us feel that he is wrong, and that workplace safety, apart from being a good management principle, must be protected by the laws of California.

Are we wrong?

 

[cbg]

I am unclear as to how her presence in the building poses a safety risk. Please explain.

There is nothing in the law that prevents them from refusing her access to the building. There is also nothing in the law that requires them to refuse her access to the building.

 

[Beth3]

Does this clinic receive any public funding? If so, they may have to allow her access if she has a medical appointment but outside of that, they are perfectly free to prohibit her from accessing the building. And even if she's there for an appointment, they don't have to allow her to roam the halls. Once she quit she became a member of the public and I presume members of the public are restricted in their access.

Sounds like your employer is being foolish to let her roam around as she pleases causing problems but I don't see any safety issues here. He claims that there is "nothing at this moment that will prevent a former employee from accessing the building." Sure there is. This is private property. Management is perfectly free to escort her out the door if she has no business there.