Q: Last week we received an e-mail reminder from management about the “no weapons on premises” work policy.  Although my employer is not aware, I’ve had a concealed-carry permit for self-defense for several years.

95% of the time I leave the gun locked inside my car in the parking lot.   But occasionally, I’m rushed and I end up bringing it into work inside my purse. I’ve never worried about it much but now that guns are such a hot topic in the news I was wondering if I should let them know that this happens sometimes.

A: First, let’s look at Florida’s “guns in the workplace” law.

In Florida, employers can not prohibit employees from having a lawful weapon in their private car. Employers can not prohibit such gun-containing-cars from parking in the company parking lot. Employers are not even allowed to inquire whether a weapon exists inside the car.

Employers however can prohibit an employee (or customer) from bringing a weapon inside the premises.  Employers communicate that by having policies and posting signs at all entrances. It sounds like this is the case with your employer.

So, back to your question, you have two choices. One (and preferred), you can make sure you leave your gun in your car 100% and no one needs to know. Or second, if you don’t think you can ensure 100% compliance, then you should tell you employer that occasionally –by mistake- you bring a gun into the office. You should add that as soon as you realize you’ve made the mistake, you’ll correct it. This “coming clean” ahead of getting caught establishes that you are honest, trustworthy and not trying to conceal anything from your employer.

But I would rather you demonstrated you are a responsible gun owner by never being in such a rush that you –by mistake- carry your weapon into a place when you didn’t intend to. It might help if you pretend your workplace is the airport.

EMPLOYERS, please send out a reminder to staff about your policy and make sure your signs are displayed. You might have someone in your workforce with a similar issue as this reader.

Related column:  Should you tell your employer you carry a concealed weapon?

©Copyright Eva Del Rio

Eva Del Rio is creator of HR Box™ – tools for small businesses and startups. Send questions to Eva@evadelrio.com