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Working Drug Free Works

October 17th, 2007 Posted by Amelia

October 14 through 20 is Drug-Free Work Week. This year’s slogan is “Working Drug Free Works.” This is the second consecutive year for the collaborative effort of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the Drug-Free Workplace Alliance. This year’s celebration includes a public service campaign to promote the importance of keeping workplaces safe from drugs.

OSHA, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, reports that drugs or alcohol are involved in many fatal accidents at work.

“Drug-free workplaces are safer workplaces for workers,” said Labor Secretary Elaine Chao. “Partners in our Drug-Free Workplace Alliance will be promoting effective programs focused on detection, deterrence and assistance for workers who need help.”

Members of the Drug-Free Workplace Alliance and affiliated organizations across the nation are bringing Drug-Free Work Week themes to life in a variety of educational activities. Different programs are designed to help employers, supervisors and workers learn how to implement effective programs to prevent drug abuse at work, and to address drug or alcohol abuse if it does occur. The focus is on detection and deterrence, but the programs also offer drug assistance and support for any current employees who may have a drug or alcohol problem.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, most drug and alcohol abusers have full- or part-time jobs. About 75% of the people who use illegal drugs or illegally abuse prescription drugs are employed. That’s more than 13.4 million people nationwide. The percentage of alcohol abusers in the workplace is even higher. According to a 2006 survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration, 79% of heavy alcohol users, a total of 12.9 million people, are employed.

Employers can increase worker health and safety by implementing an effective drug-free workplace program.

During the week of October 14 to 20, the U.S. DOL Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace program is distributing educational materials nationwide. These materials include “toolbox talks” on construction sites, posters and stickers with the slogan “Working Drug Free Works” on them.

Materials for the programs and ideas on promoting a drug-free workplace throughout the year are available at www.dol.gov/workingpartners.

Having a drug-free work environment is an essential component of a safe and healthful work place.

According to a recent survey by the Hazelden Foundation, while most Human Resource managers recognize drug use as a major problem in today’s workplace, few have systems in place to address these issues with their employees. Hazelden is a nationwide non-profit foundation that helps people to reclaim their lives from the disease of addiction. Hazelden, and the DOL, stress that employers should take a pro-active approach to drug and alcohol problems.

“Drug-Free Work Week is a perfect time to remind employers and employees alike that reducing workplace alcohol and drug abuse is a crucial part of keeping workers safe,” said Elena Carr, Drug Policy Coordinator at the Labor Department. “Of course, in a safe and healthful workplace, every week should be Drug-Free Work Week.”

The Drug-Free Work Week program was initiated in 2006 as a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and members of the Drug-Free Workplace Alliance. Every employer nationwide is urged to participate.

Through the week, the DOL and alliance members will conduct activities to help supervisors, business owners and workers understand how to implement drug-free workplace programs that focus on detection and deterrence. The program also emphasizes that employers should offer support and assistance to workers who have drug or alcohol problems.

Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace offer a number of suggestions on ways that individual employers can honor Drug-Free Work Week. These include launching a Drug-Free Workplace policy, promoting an existing program, offering health screening, and reviewing health insurance coverage.