blr’s human resources training presentations in texas

30506300/0305 ©2003 Business & Legal Reports, Inc.

BLR’s Human ResourcesTraining Presentations in Texas

Substance Abuse in the Workplace


Goals

Understand that substance abuse is a major problem in the workplace

Recognize the signs of substance abuseKnow how to deal with abuse problems effectively

to assist employees while protecting the interests of co-workers and the company

Understand Texas laws governing substance abuse


The Scope of the Problem

Substance abuse is one ofthe most serious problems facing employers

10 percent of workers have a problem

Most substance abusers are employed

Anyone can be a substance abuser


The Cost of Substance Abuse

Substance abuse costs over $50 billion annually Substance abusers are less productive, lose

more time from work, and have more accidents 40 percent of industrial fatalities are linked

to substance abuse47 percent of all occupational accidents

can be attributed to substance abuse Substance abuse also leads to theft and

crime in the workplace


Drug-Free Workplace Act

Written policy Awareness program Reporting requirementsDisciplinary action Rehabilitation


Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988

Requires:Notification to employees about policyEstablishment of drug-free

awareness programCopy to all employeesPenalties imposed


You Play a Key Role

Promote awareness of the problem Communicate company policy about

substance abuse in the workplaceMonitor employee performance Refer abusers to professionals for

assistance Administer appropriate discipline


Confidentiality

Employee privacy requirements

People in the information loop

Beneficial effects of confidentiality


Documentation

Documenting performance Recording on-the-job incidents Recognizing patterns of behavior Increasing the possibility of early

intervention Keeping a record of supporting actions

and recommendations


Detecting Substance Abuse

Abuse may not be obvious Abusers try to hide their problem Co-workers may be reluctant to speak up Family and friends may be involved

in secrecy and denial Performance monitoring is the key

to detection


Alcohol Abuse

Why people abuse alcohol

Profile of an alcoholic

Alcoholic progression


Early Warning Signs of Alcohol Problems

Inexplicable fall-off of work efficiency Frequent tardiness Excessive use of sick days Sudden decisions to use vacation time Involvement in accidents, near misses,

and errors


Other Early Warning Signs of Alcohol Problems

Fatigue Weight loss Facial changes Mental slowdown Heavy use of

breath sweeteners


Impairment in Social Functioning

Low tolerance for frustration Impulsiveness “Know it all” attitude Anxiety Oversensitivity


Impairment in Social Functioning (cont.)

Isolation Defiance Mood swings Rationalization Dependency


Drug Abuse

Profile of a drug abuser Forms of drug abuse Safety concerns Quality and productivity concerns


Early Warning Signs of Drug Abuse

Otherwise inexplicable changes in performance

Excessive tardiness and absenteeism Increased number of accidents

or near missesChanges in appearance Attitudinal extremes


Early Warning Signs of Drug Abuse (cont.)

Mood swings False confidence Mental slowdown Secrecy


Common Drugs in the Workplace

Marijuana Cocaine Heroin Amphetamines

(aka “speed” or “uppers”)Prescription drugs


Be Prepared to Act if You Suspect Substance Abuse

Never ignore a problem Talk to the employee privately Give the employee an opportunity to respond Alert the employee to programs within and

outside the organization that can help Emphasize that employee must meet

established standardsMonitor employee’s performance and behavior


How to Handle a Substance Abuse Crisis

Signs of a crisis Call in your manager or another supervisor Quietly remove the employee Recommend a medical evaluationIf the employee refuses medical evaluationDocument the incident


Substance Abuse Checklist

1. Are you familiar with the company’s policies regarding the use, possession, or sale of drugs or alcohol on the premises? YES NO

2. Are you familiar with the terms and require-ments of the Drug-Free Workplace Act? Does it apply to your company? Have youfulfilled your responsibilities in the mandated drug-free awareness program? YES NO

3. Do you remind your employees about company policy on a regular basis (at least once a month)? YES NO


Substance Abuse Checklist (cont.)

4. Do you distribute and post information about substance abuse as requested by HR? YES NO

5. Do you know how and to whom to refer employees with substance abuse problems? YES NO

6. Do you know what to do in an alcohol- or drug-related emergency? YES NO

7. Are you familiar with the symptoms of alcohol abuse? YES NO



8. Are you familiar with the symptoms of drug abuse? YES NO

9. Are you aware of the people in your depart-ment who are taking prescription drugs that might affect their performance? YES NO

10. Do you document incidents that might be alcohol- or drug-related, including date, time, and witnesses? YES NO



11. Do you have those involved in these incidents attest to your reports? YES NO

12. Do you maintain confidentiality in your handling of suspected substance abuse problems (except as required by the reporting requirements of the law and company policy)? YES NO


Substance Abuse and Texas Employment Laws

Texas Commission on Human Rights ActADAWorkers’ Compensation


Drug-Free Workplace Policy

Employers coveredWritten substance abuse policyIntoxication definedDrug testing and rehabilitation not required


Drug Testing in Texas

No comprehensive drug-testing lawDrug testing and workers’ compensationRefusal to submit to drug testPreemployment drug screening


Small Business Administration Grants

Drug-free workplace demonstration program

Assistance for small businesses in TexasQualifications of consultantsProgram requirements


Goals

Understand that substance abuse is a major problem in the workplace

Recognize the signs of substance abuseKnow how to deal with abuse problems effectively

to assist employees while protecting the interests of co-workers and the company

Understand Texas laws governing substance abuse


Summary

Substance abuse is a growing problem that threatens the safety, security, and prosperity of our company and our employees

Employees with substance abuse problems may become safety and/or performance problems

Texas employers must take appropriate measures to deal with substance abuse


Summary (cont.)

You play an important role in detecting the signs of substance abuse, documenting problem behavior, and helping employees get professional assistance

You can never afford to ignore a suspected substance abuse problem

Take appropriate action quickly so employees can get the help they need, and you can maintain the safety and productivity of your company


Quiz

1. Two of the most common signs of substance abuse are frequent ________ and _______.

2. Most substance abusers are unemployed. True or

False

3. As many as ____ percent of American workers have a substance abuse problem.


Quiz (cont.)

4. Your role in managing workplace substance abuse includes: ___________, ___________, _____________, _____________, and _____________.

5. Employee privacy laws require you to keep information about an employee’s substance abuse confidential, except for talking to your manager and the healthcare professionals involved in treating the employee. True or False


Quiz (cont.)

6. Detecting substance abuse is often difficult because _______________.

7. When you suspect a substance abuse problem based on performance or one of the other warning signs, you should take swift action, including: _____________, _____________, ____________, _____________, and _____________.


Quiz (cont.)

8. In a crisis situation where an employee appears to be under the influence and may be endangering himself/herself and other employees, you should contact your manager immediately and quietly remove the employee from the work area. True or False

9. List three warning signs of substance abuse that might apply to either employees with an alcohol problem or employees with a drug problem. ____________ , ____________, ____________


Quiz (cont.)

10. Substance abusers frequently blame others for their mistakes. True or False


Quiz Answers

1. Two of the most common signs of substance abuse are frequent tardiness and absenteeism.

2. False. Most substance abusers are employed.3. As many as 10 percent of American workers

reportedly have a substance abuse problem—and this figure is probably on the low side.


Quiz Answers (cont.)

4. Your role in managing workplace substance abuse includes promoting awareness of the problem, communicating company policy concerning substance abuse, monitoring employee performance, referring abusers to professionals for assistance, and administering discipline when necessary.

5. True. Confidentiality is absolutely required.



6. Detecting substance abuse is often difficult because most abusers try to hide their problem.

7. When you suspect a substance abuse problem, you should talk to the employee privately, give the employee an opportunity to respond, alert the employee to programs within and outside the organization that can help, emphasize that the employee must meet established standards, and monitor the employee’s performance and behavior carefully.



8. True. You should get your manager or another supervisor to observe the employee, and if you both agree that the employee is under the influence and poses a danger, remove the employee quietly but immediately from the work area.



9. Substance abusers often exhibit (1) weight loss; (2) facial changes, such as poor skin tone and unhealthy color; and (3) mental slowdown in which normally sharp individuals have difficulty grasping simple facts, responding intelligently, and communicating clearly.

10. True. Substance abusers tend to rationalize their problems by blaming others for their mistakes and misfortunes.

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