Substance Use Policy
********************

The Substance Use Policy establishes clear rules regarding the use of alcohol, drugs, and other
substances while working for Maryland Productions (MP) and Event Revolution (RV). Because company
work involves safety-sensitive activities, heavy equipment, vehicles, electrical systems, and
public-facing environments, impairment of any kind presents a serious risk.

Working while impaired is strictly prohibited.


Purpose
=======

- Protect the safety of employees, freelancers, clients, and the public.
- Prevent accidents, injuries, and property damage.
- Establish clear expectations regarding substance use.
- Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Support a professional and reliable work environment.


Who This Policy Applies To
==========================

This policy applies to:

- Employees (full-time and part-time)
- Freelancers and independent contractors
- Temporary staff and interns
- Project Managers and Crew Leads
- Anyone working under the direction of MP or RV

Compliance with this policy is a condition of employment or engagement.


Prohibited Conduct
==================

The following are strictly prohibited while working, on company time, or representing MP/RV:

- Being under the influence of alcohol
- Being under the influence of illegal drugs
- Possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs
- Misuse of prescription medication
- Possession or consumption of alcohol during work hours or on-site
- Reporting to work while impaired, regardless of substance legality

Impairment is determined by behavior, not just substance type.


Prescription & Legal Substances
================================

- Prescription medications must be used only as prescribed.
- Individuals taking medication that may impair judgment, reaction time, or coordination must:
  - Notify a supervisor or PM if safety could be affected
  - Refrain from performing safety-sensitive tasks
- Legal substances (including cannabis where legal) are prohibited if they cause impairment during
  work or while on company time.

Legality does not override safety requirements.


Alcohol at Events
=================

- Alcohol consumption during work hours or while on duty is not permitted.
- Exceptions may be made for specific roles or events only with **explicit management approval**.
- Approval must be granted in advance.
- Even when approved, intoxication or impairment is not permitted.

No one may operate equipment or vehicles after consuming alcohol.


Testing & Reasonable Suspicion
==============================

- MP/RV reserves the right to remove any individual from work if impairment is suspected.
- Reasonable suspicion may be based on:
  - Observable behavior
  - Odor of alcohol or drugs
  - Slurred speech
  - Impaired coordination
  - Unsafe actions
- Individuals suspected of impairment may be required to leave the job site immediately.

Refusal to comply with safety directives may result in disciplinary action.


Medical Cannabis & Accommodations
=================================

- MP/RV will consider reasonable accommodations as required by law.
- Safety-sensitive roles may have restrictions regardless of accommodation.
- No accommodation permits impairment while working.

Accommodation discussions should occur before work assignments.


Reporting & Responsibility
==========================

- Individuals are responsible for ensuring they are fit for duty.
- Coworkers should report safety concerns related to impairment.
- Reports will be handled discreetly and without retaliation.

Reporting concerns protects everyone.


Enforcement
===========

Violations of this policy may result in:

- Immediate removal from the job site
- Suspension of work opportunities
- Termination of employment or contract
- Additional action as permitted by law

Severity depends on the nature of the violation and safety impact.


Support & Resources
===================

MP/RV encourages individuals struggling with substance-related issues to seek help.

- Voluntary disclosure and requests for assistance will be handled respectfully.
- Seeking help will not result in discipline unless policy violations occur.

Safety and wellbeing are priorities.


Acknowledgement
===============

All personnel may be required to acknowledge this policy in writing. Failure to read or acknowledge
this policy does not exempt individuals from compliance.


Related Policies
================

- :doc:`code_of_conduct`
- :doc:`safety_policy`
- :doc:`equipment_responsibility`
- :doc:`vehicle_truck_policy`