The Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 requires that the following elements be practiced in the workplace:
Drug Policy: There must be a written policy that explains what is prohibited and the consequences for violating the policy.
Two hours of drug and alcohol education for each employee.
Ongoing testing and alcohol education for parents.
Drug testing
Employee Assistance Program
How does drug and alcohol abuse affect the workplace?
Health care cost and medical claims are about twice as high for substance abusers as they are for other employees.
Substance abusers are three to four times more likely to be involved in workplace accidents therefore jeopardizing the safety of themselves and their co-workers.
More accidents mean that more workers compensation claims are filed causing insurance premiums to rise.
Forty to fifty percent of all workers compensation claims are related to alcohol or drug use in the workplace.
Absenteeism rates are six times higher among substance abusing employees. This includes excessive use of sick and vacation leave.
Tardiness rates are higher.
Several studies indicate that substance abusers perform at only 67% of their work capacity making them less productive than other employees.
Substance abusers often exhibit poor work habits. This contributes to a decrease in customers and can tarnish the companys image in the community.
Substance abusers may become involved in company theft.
Substance abusers have higher employee turnover rates.
Why implement a DFWP? Every employee deserves a safe work environment
Employee morale is improved by:
Encouraging healthy, productive employees
Promotes teamwork-employees are present and available rather than absent, hung over and in a fog, or high/drunk on the job
Decreases chronic tardiness and absenteeism
Substance abusers gravitate towards businesses that do not drug tests.
Having a drug free workplace can save your company from being the employer of choice for substance abusers.
Seventy percent of all illicit drug abusers are employed.
