this is what gets people in trouble. i did not think it was such a big deal putting my stuff in the tractor a couple minutes early. what did it take , a minute?
well, the BA just happened to be on property that night and he saw me doing it . he patiently explained what would happen if i hurt myself off the clock. it could be a mess and worse case scenario i could be terminated. that was just one of many problems working off the clock.
99.9% of the time nothing happens but that one time.......
Yes and no. I applaud your BA for not allowing anybody to be working without being compensated (ie. working off the clock.)
But, you are covered under workers comp while on company property reporting for work, whether you are on the clock or not.
You are entitled to put your lunch pail, or other personal items in your package car or tractor off the clock. If you get hurt stepping in or out, you are covered under workers comp.
The issue comes into play if you are working off the clock and get hurt. In the back of the package car moving packages, hooking up or pre-tripping a tractor.
I tell everyone to not even enter the back of the package car before your start time. Put your personal items in the cab and leave. Then there is no question as to whether you may be working off the clock. Sometimes, even just looking through your load, whether you touch a package or not, may be construed as working.
The contract states that the employer shall not allow employees to work without being compensated. You risk progressive disciplinary action, up to and including discharge, for working off the clock.
