labor lawAdivision of labor law center

The U.S. Department of Labor recently designated October 20 through October 26, 2008 as national Drug-Free Work Week. The department has set aside this week to educate employers, employees and the public about the importance of being drug-free as an essential component of a safe, healthful workplace.

 

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

 

More than 17.5 million adult workers in the US used illicit drugs in 2007, according to researchers at the University at Buffalo. An estimated 14.1% of working adults used illicit drugs. Even more seriously,  an estimated 3.1%, or 3.9 million workers, reported to work under the influence, or using illegal drugs while at work. These figures are from the Research Institute on Addictions.

 

Now in its third year, the annual campaign is a collaborative effort organized by the Department of Labor, members of its Drug-Free Workplace Alliance, and other public and private sector organizations devoted to safe and healthy workplaces. All employers and employees are encouraged to participate in recognizing Drug-Free Work Week.

 

Throughout the week, the US Department of Labor, OSHA,  alliance members and many other employers will conduct activities to help employers, supervisors and workers understand how to: 

• Implement effective drug-free workplace programs that focus on detection and deterrence
• Offer assistance and support for workers who may have substance abuse problems 

Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in Drug-Free Work Week and ways they can promote drug-free workplace messages — during the campaign and throughout the year — by visiting the department’s Drug-Free Work Week Web site at Drug-Free Work Week Website.

 

The site includes the Drug-Free Work Week Tool Box, which contains a number of free resources for employers to customize their own Drug-Free Work Week programs. These resources include drop-in articles, print public service announcements and other materials to assist organizations in promoting Drug-Free Work Week.

 

Since the first Drug-Free Work Week in 2006, 25 national organization planning partners have joined the effort, indicating increased grassroots support for the campaign’s goal of eliminating drugs in the workplace.

 

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