Icy Streets: Should You Drive to Work or Stay Home?

No matter how poor the road and street conditions may become in winter, many companies require employees to report for work every business day.

Some reasons are valid. The jobs are critical to public safety, including police, firefighters and road crews. Other employers simply ignore the safety factors and demand workers to be on the job or be penalized for absences.

If your employer insists you risk coming to work on icy streets, there are several options open to you.

1. The situation may become impossible if schools are closed and you must be home with your young children. Inform your employer of the situation. If it's possible you can get a babysitter and go in to work later after the streets are safe, tell your employer that you'll do the best you can.

2. Call other employees and learn whether they're planning to go to work. If they agree that the roads are too dangerous, inform your employer that many people will not report for work that day. The boss may not be happy, but at least must accept the fact that you're not the only one who'll stay home.

3. Inform your employer that, no matter what other employees may do, you must stay home with your children, or don't want to endanger yourself by driving on icy roads. If you believe your decision is too disruptive or will hurt your career, promise the boss that you'll pay for your absence by giving up a vacation day.

4. If boss insists you must be at work, and threatens to fire you if you refuse, check with an appropriate government agency for rules covering such an occasion. If you're a union members, be prepared to file a complaint. You may also consult an attorney. If appropriate, send an Email copy of any formal complaint filings to your company.

5. If you believe you can't go to work that day in such bad weather conditions, and you have a dispute about it with your employer, don't allow the conversation to deteriorate to the point of losing your temper. By arguing, you'll only make the situation worse.

Finally, look at the problem from your employer's perspective. The idea is to get the work done, meet deadlines and do it all under budget. If your boss insists that you take risks coming to work on icy roads, you have the right to put your personal safety first and refuse. However, you'll get more respect if you state your case calmly and clearly.