What are some of the consequences for alcohol or drug use in the workplace?
What are some of the consequences for alcohol or drug use in the workplace?
In addition to deaths and accidents, absenteeism and loss of production, other problems that alcohol and drug abuse can cause on the job include:
- Tardiness/sleeping on the job2
- Hangover or withdrawal affecting job performance.
- Poor decision making.
- Loss of efficiency3
- Theft.
- Lower morale of co-workers.
How do drugs affect the workplace?
Workplace Drug Abuse Effects Substance abuse in the workplace can lead to decreased productivity and increased physical injuries and fatalities. Approximately 16% of emergency room patients injured at work have alcohol in their system.
What are the typical elements of a company substance abuse policy?
At a minimum, this should include a statement such as, “The use, possession, transfer or sale of illegal drugs by employees in the workplace is prohibited.” Explain the consequences for violating the policy. These may include discipline up to and including termination and/or referral for assistance.
What is a drug-free policy?
What activities does a drug-free workplace policy cover? A drug-free workplace policy can prohibit the use, manufacture, distribution, dispensation, sale, purchase, transfer, possession, or being under the influence of an illegal drug by an employee, within the workplace.
Why is a drug-free workplace important?
A drug-free workplace will be the most prepared for reducing accidents, lowering employee liability, decreasing customer-related accidents and risks, and prevent any damage to your company’s reputation.
What are different types of drug policies?
BELOW, FIND BRIEF OUTLINES OF THE SPECTRUM OF DIFFERENT DRUG POLICY POSITIONS RANGING FROM THE MOST, TO THE LEAST, RESTRICTIVE.
- PROHIBITION.
- DECRIMINALIZATION.
- DE FACTO DECRIMINALIZATION.
- MEDICALIZATION.
- LEGALIZATION WITHOUT COMMERCIALIZATION.
- LEGALIZATION WITH LIMITS ON COMMERCIALIZATION.
How do you deal with drugs in the workplace?
Enacting clear and strong company drug-free workplace policies, and ensuring consistent and comprehensive communication with employees. Expanding drug panel testing to include opioids. Training supervisors and employees to spot the first signs of drug misuse and impairment.
What to do when an employee is on drugs?
If you suspect an employee of being impaired on the job:
- Take immediate action to remove the employee from any safety-sensitive work and begin gathering evidence of the incident.
- If applicable state laws and your employer policy allows, send the employee for a drug or alcohol test.
Why do employers need a drug and alcohol policy?
Employers have a legal duty to protect employees’ health, safety and welfare. Understanding the signs of drug and alcohol misuse (or abuse) will help you to manage health and safety risk in your workplace, develop a policy to deal with drug and alcohol-related problems and support your employees. Misuse is not the same thing as dependence.
How to create a drug and alcohol policy?
Prepare and distribute a formal drug-free workplace policy statement. This statement should clearly prohibit the manufacture, use, and distribution of controlled substances in the workplace and spell out the specific consequences of violating this policy. Establish a drug-free awareness program.
How to write a drug and alcohol policy?
Writing a drug test policy that complies with state laws is the first step toward achieving this goal, and while you can write the policy on your own or get help from an attorney, a legal expert
How to spot drug use in the workplace?
Author information. D.S.S. conceived this commentary and wrote it.
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