Workplace Testing

ARE DRUGS & ALCOHOL AFFECTING YOUR BUSINESS?

Alcohol and other drug abuse is widespread in our society, and it affects us all in many ways. Although national, State, and local efforts have begun to show encouraging results, the problem of alcohol and other drug abuse remains a serious issue.

Employers who have implemented drug-free workplace programs have important experiences to share:

• Employers with successful drug-free workplace programs report decreases in absenteeism, accidents, downtime, turnover, and theft; increases in productivity; and overall improved morale.
• Employers with longstanding programs report better health status among many employees and family members and decreased use of medical benefits.
• Employers find that employees, employee representatives, and unions often welcome drug-free workplace programs. If you don't have a program, your employees may be wondering why. Employers with drug-free workplace programs find that current users of alcohol and other drugs prefer organisations that do not have such programs.

An effective program can keep you from being the employer of choice for users, abusers, and addicts.

Employees are often reluctant to let management know when they suspect drug activity, worried that any co-workers they identify will be penalised or even lose their jobs. The reality is that you place a co-worker in far greater jeopardy when you don't report your concern and, in that way, make continued drug use possible.

The threat of disciplinary procedures or ultimately, termination, often provides a potent deterrent to substance abuse and will prompt many drug and/or alcohol troubled workers to accept help when they had previously ignored the pleas of family and friends.  Faced with the possibility of losing their jobs, workers who had refused to recognise or acknowledge their substance abuse are often motivated to enter treatment and-what may be even more important-remain in treatment long enough to make fundamental changes in attitudes and behaviour.

Research shows that Alcohol and Drugs can be a serious workplace issue.  The International Labour Office and World Health Organisation have reported that:

• Of people with alcohol or other drug related problems - 60% - 70% are in  full time employment
• Employees with alcohol and other drug related problems have 200% -  300% more absenteeism than other employees.
• Of all work fatalities - 15% - 30% are related to alcohol and other drugs
• Of all work accidents - 20% - 25% involve intoxicated persons.

Consideration to this issue and the implementation of a policy and procedure that facilitates both a preventative and positive intervention program will enable employers to adequately respond and reduce any incidents related to alcohol and other drug use in the workplace.

Benefits of Workplace Testing

Statistics have shown that the benefits of workplace testing can be substantial.  The introduction of an Alcohol Program in a car plant resulted in:

• 50% less injuries
• 60% less sickness claims
• 80% less absenteeism
• 40% less lost time
• 50% less I.R. action
• 50% less disciplinary action

Alcohol & Drug testing should be introduced sensitively as part of a comprehensive package of education and access to confidential treatment. The primary aim should not be to terminate employment, but to discourage abuse, offer help, to treat. The most effective programs are those where the workforce approves a humane, compassionate and fair anti-drugs policy. However those who place others lives at serious risk must expect to face the consequences.

Some argue for tests only where performance is poor. But by then a fellow worker may have lost an arm, a leg, an eye, a hand or a life. The aim of testing is to prevent mistakes, not to allocate blame after the event.
One thing is clear: drug and alcohol testing will continue to expand, as the most practical and cost effective way to strengthen existing drugs and alcohol policies at work.  Either we take hold of the issue now or the issue will take hold of us.

These procedures can be complex and time consuming to your company.  Worksafe SA Pty. Ltd. offer to assist in the drafting of a policy and procedure and to provide a service that contributes to your obligation to provide a safe workplace under the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act, 1986.

Can you afford to ignore the statistics.
It's only affecting your bottom line and your reputation.