PREVENTING DRUG ABUSE IN THE WORKPLACE

Drug abuse at work is the leading cause of preventable employer expenses and Workers’ Compensation Claims. Employees who use drugs not only jeopardize their health and safety; they also compromise their productivity, which directly leads to company losses. Employers can mitigate the inherent risk of substance abuse problems in the workplace, but first, the signs of addiction need to be recognized:

Signs that someone is on drugs

If you suspect one or more of your workers might be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the trick is to intervene as soon as possible. Common signs of workplace drug abuse:

Significant changes in productivityLess likely to meet deadlines for assignmentsAffected quality of workNot able to perform physical labor to the employer’s standardCompromised relationships with colleaguesAn argumentative or negative attitude at workInability to accept criticism, even if delivered respectfullyMajority of the time at work spent in isolationFrequent breaks or absencesAn unusual number of trips to the restroomCalling in sick to work oftenExtended lunch breaks

It’s challenging for employers to distinguish personality traits from a drug abuse problem. Many employees work better independently, so long-term monitoring is required to obtain sufficient proof. If a change in behavior persists or worsens to the point where it affects the productivity of other employees, this could be indicative of a larger problem in need of intervention or termination.

How Does Drug Abuse Affect the Workplace?

Not a single employer on the planet wishes to throw money away. Drug abuse at workplaces a heavy demand on a company’s budget which could otherwise be allocated to more productive activities. These costs are felt when paying out annual employee benefit expenses and Workers’ Compensation Claims. Without a proper, carefully selected drug testing program, employers and their companies become vulnerable to drugs entering unbarred.

Workplace Drug Abuse Statistics

Drug abuse at work is linked to 47% of workplace injuries and 40% of workplace deaths

Why is Drug Testing Important?

Drug testing in the workplace is important in more ways than one. In fact, many studies show job candidates are reluctant to even apply for positions at companies who have an existing drug testing policy in place because of a fear of being caught.

Nowadays, employers are given many drug testing options, not limited to urine, saliva, and hair follicle testing. No matter the chosen method, drug testing has the ability to save employers so much money each year. The tradeoff will be be measurable.

How to Report Drug Use at Work

Employers or business owners aren’t necessarily the first to notice changes in an employee’s behavior because of drug abuse at work. In fact, it’s usually colleagues — the people who work among drug abuser — who are first to detect someone under the influence of a drug or alcohol addiction.

Reporting a colleague’s possible drug abuse can be a tricky situation, especially since the desire to do so may actually result in the termination of an employee's appointment, if they are in fact a confirmation of suspicion of drug abuse.

However, colleagues who dearly care about their fellow workers can take the following steps in helping their colleague receive the help and attention they need to recover. If you suspect a colleague’s drug abuse in the workplace:

1.  Notify Human Resources before anyone else. It’s important not to create an environment of gossip, especially around a personal problem such as addiction.

2.  If a colleague is found to be a drug or alcohol abuser, make sure to offer full support and encouragement as they embark upon what will be a perilous journey to recovery.

3.  Before reporting the actions of a fellow employee, make sure to have some basis of fact in your observations. Record any obviously dangerous or harmful behavior that may involve other coworkers.

How Do You Test For Drugs in the Workplace?

Any kind of drug test will complement your brand new or existing workplace drug testing policy.

Drug testing is applicable in any stage of employment:

Pre-Employment Drug Testing

As a job applicant, this is the test that you will have to pass as a condition of your employment. Worry about this one first before getting concerned about the lot below.

Random Drug Testing

These tests help ensure that employees remain drug and/or alcohol free during the course of their employment.

A random selection process makes sure that every employee has the same chance of being selected (or not selected – you know glass half full or half empty kind of thing).

Periodic Testing

The purpose of a clearly written drug testing policy is to outline, among other things, just exactly under what circumstances employee drug testing is to be done. Employers cannot indiscriminately order drug tests on any or all of their employees unless they explicitly state it in their drug-free workplace policy, lest they be sued for discrimination.2

Reasonable Suspicion Drug Testing

Should an employee show up for work looking, smelling or acting like he may be intoxicated or high, a drug screen may be required in accordance with the provisions of the organization’s drug-free workplace policy. So if you think you can party-all-night and then come straight to work the next day, you can’t. So don’t. At least shower first. Get rid of the look or the smell.

Post-Accident Drug Testing

If there is enough reason to believe that a workplace accident or incident may have been related to drugs or alcohol, a drug screen may be conducted on the spot, again in accordance with the procedures as written in the drug-free workplace policy.

Return to Work Testing

Employees who may have been suspended or undergoing treatment for substance abuse may be required to submit to a drug test prior to returning to work.

Substance Abuse Support

It’s possible to boost your company’s reputation by adopting drug and alcohol assessments for all staff members. Any inkling of doubt can be erased in a matter of minutes, as long as employers are properly equipped with the resources needed to detect drug abuse at work.

Over 50% of serious employers have adopted some kind of drug abuse detection programs. This is not only to preserve employee health and wellness but to also make sure the best and brightest candidates enter a company’s doors. Drug testing supplies can be the first line of defense against drug abuse in the workplace, and most tests do not cost more than a cup of coffee for each employee. Some food for thought around workplace substance abuse.

We are dedicated to helping Behavioral Healthcare providers find success.

-ABC Recovery Center