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Drug Free Workplace News

May 7th, 2007 Posted by Amelia

The US Dept. of Labor says, “only by addressing drug and alcohol abuse among the entire workforce – those currently employed and those preparing to enter employment – can a drug-free American workforce be achieved.”

This is the reason behind expanding the existing Drug Free Workplace Alliance. The alliance was established in 2004 as the first cooperative agreement on improving worker safety through drug abuse prevention, with a focus on the construction and mining industries. The expanded program addresses substance abuse, specifically alcohol abuse and illegal drug use.

The Secretary of Labor, Elaine Chao, recently appeared at the signing of this expanded alliance. The signing took place at the US Census Bureau and involved leaders from five labor unions, who are members of the Drug-free Workplace Alliance, and leaders from five contractor associations.

The new alliance emphasizes Chao’s commitment to working cooperatively with unions and contractor associations to protect workers safety and health. It also offers information to help workforce development professionals assist individuals with drug or alcohol abuse problems.

Drug or alcohol abuse is one of the leading causes of fatal accidents in the workplace, according to the OSHA. Substance abuse also causes increased employee absenteeism, low employee morale, higher illness rates, accidents and costly errors.

Employers have a lot of power when it comes to protecting their workers’ safety, especially in regards to alcohol and drug abuse. Businesses can educate employees about the dangers and encouraging individuals with alcohol and drug problems to seek help. They can also choose to do random drug testing or pre-employment screening as do many of the companies that are part of the alliance.

The Associated General Contractors, the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NEA), the Association of Union Constructors and the Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association were present at the signing.

The International Union of Operating Engineers, the Laborers’ International Union of North American, the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, the United Association for Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada, as well as the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers were also present at the signing.