Drug-Free Workplace

Can you think of any reasons why your company might establish a drug-free workplace environment? Reasons you may suggest could include lower call of rates, higher productivity, theft prevention, improved safety, and higher company morale. Long term safety and cost savings are also a benefit when your company implements the drug free workplace program.

Consider the following:

  • 47 percent of serious accidents in the workplace and 40 percent of accidents resulting in fatalities have alcohol or drug involvement.
  • Alcohol and drugs accounts for 38 to 50% of all workers compensation claims.
  • Over 90% of alcoholics and 74%of drug addicts are employed.
  • An employee with inappropriate substance use can cost their employer $7,000 to $25,000 per year.

Below are the major components to a drug-free workplace program:

  • A written substance policy. This policy is extremely crucial to implement. It will explain al elements of the program and explain in detail the drug and alcohol testing rules and guidelines.
  • Employee Awareness and Education. Employees need to be educated on the company’s drug free program. It is recommended that a certified drug free trainer perform the training.
  • Supervisor Training.  Supervisors need to be educated on the company’s drug free program. It is recommended that a certified drug free trainer perform the training
  • Drug and Alcohol Testing. Employers must determine the types of drugs and alcohol testing to implement in their program. Options include pre-employment and post accident, random, follow-up to treatment, and reasonable suspicion.

Disclaimer: The information and suggestions contained in these safety talks are believed to be reliable. However, the authors of the topics and the owners of this web site accept no legal responsibility for the correctness, sufficiency, or completeness of such information or suggestions contained within these topics. These guidelines do not supercede local, state, or federal regulations and must not be construed as a substitute for, or legal interpretation of, any OSHA regulations.