Why Have a Drug Free Workplace?
Substance abuse in the workplace is a serious problem. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2009 statistics show that 77% of illegal drug users hold either full or part-time jobs. Moreover, more than 60% of adults know someone who has worked under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and 500 million workdays are lost annually due to employee substance abuse. Substance abuse costs American businesses approximately $81 billion annually in lost productivity, absenteeism, and accidents. According to a study conducted by George Washington University, employees who abuse drugs or alcohol are three and a half times more likely to be involved in a workplace accident, resulting in increased workers’ compensation and disability insurance claims.
How can small businesses effectively address this issue? Solutions, a long-term Connecticut provider of Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and related services, in collaboration with the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) provides a unique approach to Drug-Free Workplace Program services to small businesses in Connecticut. Funded through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Solutions and CBIA offer free two-part trainings to small businesses on how to implement a drug-free workplace. Topics covered include “Reasonable Suspicion,” with state and federal law and legal implications explained by the CBIA attorney trainer. Attendees also receive a tool kit for creating a drug free workplace, with methods for assessing needs, writing and reviewing Drug Free Workplace policies/procedures, suggestions on enforcing policy, identifying drug testing vendors, making referrals for drug testing, identifying EAP resources and how to refer to EAPs, developing an employee drug and alcohol abuse prevention training plan, and a continuing education plan for alcohol and drug prevention. Substance abuse prevention resources are also provided for employees who are parents.
For more information or to register for free Drug-Free Workplace seminars, call 1-800-526-3485 or register online.
