Oklahoma employers have flexibility in banning, controlling firearms

A: Many of the questions focus on how much control an employer can exercise if it decides not to completely ban firearms from the workplace. This is where Oklahoma's handgun licensing laws provide the flexibility mentioned above. The statute allows employers not only the right to prohibit firearms on their premises, but also to control the possession of weapons there. This means an employer can ban weapons in some of their facilities but not others, or allow some employees to carry but not others. An employer can allow concealed carry but not open carry, or can limit the ability to carry to employees who have undergone specific training. An employer retains the right to rescind that permission to carry on its premises at any time, for any reason. Similarly, a business can prohibit customers from carrying weapons, but still allow employees to carry, or allow customers to carry while restricting employees from carrying firearms. Employers also can set rules for where and how weapons may be kept on its premises.

Q: Is there anywhere employers can obtain additional information on this topic?

A: Yes. A free webinar presentation on Weighing Workplace Weapons Policies is scheduled for noon March 6. For more information, or to register, go to www.employerlinc.com.

PAULA BURKES, BUSINESS WRITER