Fire Department Sick Leave Policy

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for the Department's attendance policy?

To increase the number of absences allowed per year

To ensure employees have enough time off for personal activities

To reduce the number of employees on duty at any given time

To maintain the delivery of emergency services to customers (correct)

How often will the Department analyze sick time usage?

Periodically (correct)

Weekly

Daily

Only when an employee is terminated

What is considered a valid reason for using sick leave?

Off-duty injury of an employee (correct)

On-duty illness of a family member

On-duty injury of an employee

Maternity leave of a coworker

Who is responsible for ensuring all employees understand the attendance policy?

The Fire Chief Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the departmental averages analysis?

To identify patterns of misuse of sick leave Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a serious illness or injury that would qualify for sick leave?

A broken arm Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected outcome of the attendance policy?

Improved delivery of emergency services Signup and view all the answers

Who approved the Sick Time Usage SOP?

Alan Wax, Fire Chief Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for monitoring all personnel under their command in regard to sick time usage?

Shift Commander Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum time before the start of a shift that employees are encouraged to call the dedicated sick time call-in phone?

2 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a sick leave occurrence?

Uninterrupted absence due to illness or injury, which covers any number of hours or days Signup and view all the answers

Why may the Shift Commander contact personnel who have called in sick?

To verify the employee's well-being and expected return to duty date Signup and view all the answers

What can the Department initiate in cases of suspected misuse or abuse of sick leave?

Informal and/or formal inquiry Signup and view all the answers

What is an indication of abuse or misuse of sick leave if an employee exceeds?

72 hours per year Signup and view all the answers

What is another indication of abuse or misuse of sick leave if an employee is off more than?

Three times in a 12-month evaluation period Signup and view all the answers

What is an indication of abuse or misuse of sick leave if an employee has used?

Six partial shifts of sick leave in six months Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of the meeting arranged with the Deputy Fire Chief, the Shift Commander, and the Firefighter?

To address the concern in the Firefighter's sick time usage Signup and view all the answers

Who approves the formal process to address the Firefighter's sick time usage?

The Fire Chief Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of consecutive calendar days for which a doctor's note is required?

Six (6) or more consecutive calendar days Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the physical examination in the formal process?

To determine if there is a medical reason for the Firefighter's sick time usage Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'Type of absence' section in the Absence Notification form?

To select whether the absence is due to self-sickness or family sickness Signup and view all the answers

What happens if cases of abuse are documented?

Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Employee Wellness Referral to Health and Human Services?

To support the Firefighter's overall wellness Signup and view all the answers

Why does the Department require the Firefighter to report to work according to their work schedule?

To emphasize the importance of having the Firefighter fit for duty Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose and Policy

The Hoffman Estates Fire Department's success relies on employee attendance and requires employees to work according to normal schedules.
Unnecessary and unexcused absences are undesirable and affect departmental operations and fellow employees' work.

Sick Time Usage

Sick leave can be used for an employee's own illness, non-duty related disability, pregnancy, off-duty injury, quarantine, or serious illness/injury in the immediate family.
Employees must call the Shift Commander on the dedicated sick time call-in phone (847-252-5858) and provide required information on the Sick Time Call-In Log.
Employees are encouraged to call in at least 2 hours prior to their shift.

Procedure

The Shift Commander monitors personnel under their command regarding sick time usage and meets with employees who have over 3 occurrences of sick leave per evaluation period.
A sick leave occurrence is an uninterrupted absence due to illness or injury, covering any number of hours or days.

Abuse and Misuse of Sick Leave

Abuse or misuse of sick leave may be indicated if an employee:
- Exceeds 72 hours per year unless for a single occurrence.
- Is off more than three times in a 12-month evaluation period.
- Uses six partial shifts of sick leave in six months.
- Has a pattern of taking sick leave in conjunction with other benefit time, holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and/or when on an EOD.
- Takes sick time before or after an EOD or hireback shift.
- Cannot be reached when reporting in sick.

Consequences of Abuse and Misuse

The Department may initiate an informal and/or formal inquiry for suspected abuse or misuse of sick leave.
Consequences may include:
- A physical examination to determine if there is a medical reason for sick time usage.
- Additional professional help for underlying circumstances related to absences.
- Requirement of a doctor's note when sick for six or more consecutive calendar days.
- Disciplinary action.
- Employee Wellness Referral to Health and Human Services.
- A recommendation for Peer Support.

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Description

This quiz covers the Hoffman Estates Fire Department's policies on employee attendance, sick time usage, and the impact of unnecessary absences on departmental operations.