Substance Abuse: From Workplace Safety to Company Functions
Substance Abuse: From Workplace Safety to Company Functions
Most dental laboratories are small businesses (fewer than 500 workers). Small businesses may be the most vulnerable in the employment of workers with substance use and abuse as they are less likely to have programs in place to combat the problem. Workers with these conditions will seek out employment in a small business because of the lack of substance abuse programs. According to information from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in 2005 17.2 million Americans were illicit drug users and were employed. Similarly, 12.5 million adult heavy alcohol users were employed. Do they work for you? The cost of just one error caused by an impaired worker can devastate a small company.
The good news is that there are steps businesses can take to minimize the risks of worker substance abuse. Establishing and enforcing a drug-free workplace policy is one important way that an employer can protect worker safety and health. The goal of this type of policy is to prevent impairment and improve safety by setting standards and holding workers accountable. Go to www.dol.gov/workingpartners for loads of information on how to keep your worksite drug and alcohol free.
Speaking of impairments - what about impairment from substance abuse when driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the annual employer cost of motor vehicle crashes involving at least one driver who was alcohol-impaired is $9 billion. These types of impaired driving crashes result in increased absenteeism and use of health care benefits. Remember that an employer who serves or sells alcohol may be held liable if an individual consumes alcohol at their establishment or company function and subsequently causes a crash. Your drivers, couriers, or sales people may also be subject to legal action if they drive impaired and cause a crash while on business for you. The Web site noted above provides excellent information about impaired driving that you can use to share with your workers.
Through the annual campaign between the U.S. Department of Labor and members of its Drug-Free Workplace Alliance, Drug-Free Work Week took place this past month. The purpose of the designated week is to educate employers, employees and the general public about the importance of being drug-free as an essential component of a safe and healthful workplace. To learn more about Drug-Free Work Week and how to implement a drug-free workplace program go to www.dol.gov/asp/programs/drugs/workingpartners.
Two other considerations on this topic are workers' compensation laws and government contract work. Because workers' compensation laws are regulated by each state and vary from state to state, you need to research how your state treats work comp claims that involve injuries to workers with substance abuse problems. A Web site that will provide you some basic information for each state is www.dol.gov/asp/programs/drugs/said/StateLaw.asp. This Web site will provide information on workers' compensation premium discounts for employers who have implemented a drug-free workplace program. For instance, the state of
If you have a federal contract for the manufacture of appliances, you may want to check with the federal agency who granted you the contract to determine if you are required to provide a drug-free workplace as a condition of receiving a contract or grant from the Federal agency. In the state of
It is entirely possible that workplace alcohol and other drug problems are affecting your employees' health, safety and productivity. Conduct an assessment today and take action to establish your philosophy for dealing with substance abuse in your workplace. Remember with the holidays approaching and company functions sometimes including alcohol, it may be wise to consult your state laws regarding the use of alcoholic beverages and resulting legal responsibilities. The U.S. Department of Labor has published Nine Tips for Office Celebrations that you may want to consider. See their Web site at www.dol.gov/asp/programs/drugs/workingpartners/sp_iss/ninetips.asp.
