substance abuse in the workplace what employees need to know

Substance Abuse In the Workplace

What Employees Need to Know

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 0612

Session ObjectivesYou will be able to:• Comprehend the harmful impact of

workplace substance abuse• Understand the requirements of the law and

company policy• Identify ways in which alcohol and drugs

impair job performance• Recognize signs of substance abuse• Take action to deal with abuse problems

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 0612

What You Need to Know• Scope, cost, and control of workplace

substance abuse• Effects of alcohol and drugs on job

performance• How to recognize a substance abuse

problem•What to do about a co-worker’s problem• How to get help for a drug or alcohol

problem

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 0612

The Scope of the Problem• 10% of U.S. workers

abuse drugs or alcohol (or both)• Most substance

abusers are employed• 60% of workers know

someone who has reported for work under the influence• Anyone can be a

substance abuser

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The Cost of Substance Abuse• Substance abuse

costs more than $50 billion annually• Abusers generally:

• Are less productive• Make more mistakes• Lose more time from

work

• Abusers have more accidents

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The Cost of Substance Abuse (cont.)

• 40% of industrial fatalities are linked to substance abuse• 47% of all occupational accidents can be

attributed to substance abuse• Substance abuse often leads to theft and

crime in the workplace

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Drug-Free Workplace Act• Written policy• Awareness program• Reporting

requirements• Disciplinary action• Rehabilitation

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OSHA Requirements• Protection against recognized hazards • Substance abuse is such a recognized

hazard

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Our Policy• Prohibits the possession, use, or sale of

drugs or alcohol on company property• Forbids working under the influence• Provides assistance to employees who want

help for an abuse problem• Imposes discipline on those who violate

rules and refuse help

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Substance Abuse Basics• Do you understand the

information presented in the previous slides?

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Alcohol• Has a sedative effect• Can be highly addictive• Impairs job

performance• Is a proven killer

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Marijuana• Most frequently used

drug in the workplace• Is a relaxant• Impairs performance• Effects can last for

hours

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Cocaine• Causes a brief intense

high• Can be highly addictive• Seriously impairs

performance• Increases potential for

accidents and crime• Can destroy a person’s

life

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Amphetamines• Used to give energy or

lose weight• Highly addictive• Impair job performance• Cause serious physical

damage

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Heroin• Highly addictive• Leads to serious

health conditions• Impairs job

performance• Increases potential for

workplace theft and crime

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Hallucinogens• Distort users’ perception of reality• Cause bizarre and sometimes violent

behavior• Impair job performance• Can cause irreversible physical and mental

problems

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Prescription Drugs• Can be addictive• Many people use these

drugs for nonmedical reasons• Can impair job

performance• Can lead to use of

other dangerous drugs

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Substance Abuse Specifics• Do you understand the

information presented in the previous slides?

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How Can You Recognize An Abuse Problem?• Early on• As the problem

becomes more serious• Once a person is

addicted

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How Can You Get Help?• Ask your supervisor or

human resources for programs the company provides• Talk to a health

professional or minister

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How Can You Get Help? (cont.)

• Look in the phone book • Check the Internet

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What If a Co-Worker Has a Problem?• Express your concern• Encourage the person

to get help• Talk to your supervisor

if the problem persists

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Key Points to Remember• Substance abuse threatens the productivity,

safety, and security of our company and employees•Working under the influence of alcohol or

drugs seriously impairs a person’s ability to perform the job well and safely• Never ignore a substance abuse problem—

take prompt action to solve it