labor lawAdivision of labor law center

Alcohol and drug abuse pose a problem for employers, but the expanding Oregon Drug Free Workplace Alliance is working to reduce this problem, according to the Oregon Dept. of Labor. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, known as OSHA, feels alcohol and drug abuse in the workplace is a preventable hazard.  OSHA is a supporter of programs that promote drug-free workplaces. Eliminating drug and alcohol abuse from the workplace is very important, especially in industries where machinery is operated.

The alliance partners a federal agency with many unions and contractor associations. Creating a drug-free workplace helps employers protect the health and safety of their employees. One way employers can reduce the hazards of alcohol and drug abuse in the workplace is by educating employees on the dangers. Employers also can use approaches such as pre-employment drug screenings and random drug tests to help lower the impact of alcohol and drug abuse.

Another way employers can reduce the impact of alcohol and drug abuse on their businesses is by encouraging employees with problems to find help. Since most drug users have either full-time or part-time jobs, getting these employees to seek help can make a difference. The number of drug users is 16.7 million, and 74.3% of these individuals have jobs. That number means that 12.4 million workers have abuse problems.

OSHA has statistics that show that 20% of the deaths that happen due to accidents at work involve individuals who test positive for either alcohol or drugs. Employers can see how large the problem is when they add to that the number of uncounted accidents that happen in the workplace that are caused by alcohol and drug abuse problems.

Alcohol and drug abuse problems cause increases in the absenteeism rate and the number of accidents and errors in the workplace. Abuse problems also can result in lower employee morale and increases in illnesses. Creating a drug-free workplace is one way employers can protect both their businesses and their employees. 

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