labor lawAdivision of labor law center

The newly expanded Wyoming Drug Free Workplace Alliance is working to address the impact that alcohol and drug abuse have on worker safety. As the US Department of Labor’s first agreement to try to keep workers safe by preventing drug abuse, the Alliance was created in 2004.

Since the focus is on the construction and mining industries, representative from 5 labor unions and 5 contractor associations were present at the signing ceremony. The ceremony took place at the US Census Bureau, and Elaine Chao, Secretary of Labor, was present. 

The Wyoming Drug Free Workplace Alliance tries to help businesses deal with the issue of drug abuse. Abuse costs the nation’s businesses dearly. Alcohol and drug abuse result in a higher level of absenteeism, plus more accidents and mistakes. The problem also can result in employee morale that is low and an increase in employee illnesses. Moreover, OSHA maintains that alcohol and drug abuse are involved in many of the workplace accidents that result in fatalities.
To combat the problem of alcohol and drug abuse, the U.S. Department of Labor tries to raise awareness of the impact the problem has on the workplace. To help protect employees, the alliance will provide information on creating a drug-free workplace.

By educating employees on the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse, employers have the power to help keep their businesses safe. In addition, employees suffering from alcohol and drug abuse problems should be encouraged to take advantage of available help. Some companies also use random drug tests, along with pre-employment drug screenings, as other ways to create a drug-free workplace.
The US Department of Labor maintains, “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.”

The Secretary of Labor is committed to protecting workers by working together with the unions and the contractor associations. Chao, along with union leaders and leaders from the building contractor associations, are doing all they can to combat this serious problem.  

Last 10 posts by Amelia

• COBRA Subsidy Extended Again - March 5th, 2010
• New York Uniform, Meals and Lodging Rules - February 10th, 2010
• New York Non-Exempt Employee Rules - February 3rd, 2010
• New York Tipped Minimum Wage is $4.75 - January 27th, 2010
• Oklahoma Direct Deposit - January 20th, 2010
• 2010 Minimum Wage Recap - January 1st, 2010
• Vermont Minimum Wage 2010 is $8.06 - December 30th, 2009
• New GINA Regulations - December 23rd, 2009
• Kansas 2010 Minimum Wage Increases to $7.25 - December 9th, 2009
• 2010 Washington Minimum Wage is $8.55 - December 2nd, 2009