Substance Abuse In the Workplace

1
Substance Abuse In the Workplace

• What Employees Need to Know

2
Session Objectives

• You will be able to
• Comprehend the harmful impact of workplace
  substance abuse
• Understand the requirements of the law and
  company policy
• Identify ways in which alcohol and drugs impair
  job performance
• Recognize signs of substance abuse
• Take action to deal with abuse problems

3
What You Need to Know

• Scope, cost, and control of workplace substance
  abuse
• Effects of alcohol and drugs on job performance
• How to recognize a substance abuse problem
• What to do about a co-workers problem
• How to get help for a drug or alcohol problem

4
The Scope of the Problem

• 10 of U.S. workers abuse drugs or alcohol (or
  both)
• Most substance abusers are employed
• 60 of workers know someone who has reported for
  work under the influence
• Anyone can be a substance abuser

5
The Cost of Substance Abuse

• Substance abuse costs more than 50 billion
  annually
• Abusers generally
• Are less productive
• Make more mistakes
• Lose more time from work
• Abusers have more accidents

6
The Cost of Substance Abuse (cont.)

• 40 of industrial fatalities are linked to
  substance abuse
• 47 of all occupational accidents can be
  attributed to substance abuse
• Substance abuse often leads to theft and crime in
  the workplace

7
Drug-Free Workplace Act

• Written policy
• Awareness program
• Reporting requirements
• Disciplinary action
• Rehabilitation

8
OSHA Requirements

• Protection against recognized hazards
• Substance abuse is such a recognized hazard

9
Our Policy

• Prohibits the possession, use, or sale of drugs
  or alcohol on company property
• Forbids working under the influence
• Provides assistance to employees who want help
  for an abuse problem
• Imposes discipline on those who violate rules and
  refuse help

10
Substance Abuse Basics

• Do you understand the information presented in
  the previous slides?

11
Alcohol

• Has a sedative effect
• Can be highly addictive
• Impairs job performance
• Is a proven killer

12
Marijuana

• Most frequently used drug in the workplace
• Is a relaxant
• Impairs performance
• Effects can last for hours

13
Cocaine

• Causes a brief intense high
• Can be highly addictive
• Seriously impairs performance
• Increases potential for accidents and crime
• Can destroy a persons life

14
Amphetamines

• Used to give energy or lose weight
• Highly addictive
• Impair job performance
• Cause serious physical damage

15
Heroin

• Highly addictive
• Leads to serious health conditions
• Impairs job performance
• Increases potential for workplace theft and
  crime

16
Hallucinogens

• Distort users perception of reality
• Cause bizarre and sometimes violent behavior
• Impair job performance
• Can cause irreversible physical and mental
  problems

17
Prescription Drugs

• Can be addictive
• Many people use these drugs for nonmedical
  reasons
• Can impair job performance
• Can lead to use of other dangerous drugs

18
Substance Abuse Specifics

• Do you understand the information presented in
  the previous slides?

19
How Can You Recognize An Abuse Problem?

• Early on
• As the problem becomes more serious
• Once a person is addicted

20
How Can You Get Help?

• Ask your supervisor or human resources for
  programs the company provides
• Talk to a health professional or minister

21
How Can You Get Help? (cont.)

• Look in the phone book
• Check the Internet

22
What If a Co-Worker Has a Problem?

• Express your concern
• Encourage the person to get help
• Talk to your supervisor if the problem persists

23
Key Points to Remember

• Substance abuse threatens the productivity,
  safety, and security of our company and employees
• Working under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  seriously impairs a persons ability to perform
  the job well and safely
• Never ignore a substance abuse problemtake
  prompt action to solve it