Articles

How to Implement a Drug-Free Workplace

by Auvrey Lavigne Writer

Since some drugs are known to alter one’s judgment and impair a person’s physical and decision-making abilities, drugs and work have not always been a good concoction. In fact, 10-20% of workers who die at work in the United States have been tested positive for drugs or alcohol. What’s alarming is that the most dangerous industries, such as construction and mining, have shown to have the highest drug use rates among employees.


For employers, having drug and substance abusers under their wing do not only put the company and its workers at risk for dangerous accidents but also cost the business a fortune. However, these can all be minimized or prevented with an effective drug-free workplace policy.



Prepare a written policy.


Depending on your state laws, preparing a written policy and handing it out to all employees for their review and understanding is an initial step in implementing a drug-free workplace. Policies and procedures should be clearly stated and publicized, which include the appropriate disciplinary actions required for every employee whose actions fall in violation of such policies.


Train your supervisors.


To effectively execute a drug-free workplace policy, there should be proper trainings for supervisors as well as for the Human Resources staff. Since they work closely with your employees, they are more likely able to constantly monitor their performance and behavior in the workplace.


To carry out this integral phase in your workplace’s drug and alcohol program, review your drug policy and guidelines with your supervisors. Make sure that they know their specific responsibilities in their implementation. Last but not the least, they should be aware on how to recognize a drug-related problem and how to eventually deal with it.


Educate your employees.


Employee awareness is something that most businesses often overlook when it comes to drug-free workplace implementation. When proper employee education is not well executed, all drug prevention efforts in the workplace may be put to waste. This can be done by conducting relevant seminars and workshops that are required for all employees to attend.


Conduct drug testing.


Pre-employment and random drug testing in the company can be done where it is permitted by state laws. There are various workplace drug and alcohol tests that you can implement in your business, which could include a marijuana drug test or a urine drug test. Some states allow companies to screen prospective employees for drug and alcohol use prior to being hired. On the other hand, employees may be tested for such substances randomly every year.


Provide employee assistance.


Instead of firing employees who are positive for drugs or alcohol, an employee assistance program focuses on providing support and allowing them to recover as better employees in the workforce.


Providing encouragement instead of shunning these workers will better motivate them to seek help regarding their issues. As business owner, you may seek employee assistance professionals to help you identify and deal with these problematic employees.


Maintaining a safe and secure workplace free from drugs and alcohol is a dream of every business owner. With proper awareness and the right guidance, it is not impossible for companies to be able to turn this dream into reality.



Sponsor Ads


About Auvrey Lavigne Innovator   Writer

13 connections, 0 recommendations, 50 honor points.
Joined APSense since, December 15th, 2016, From Redmond, United States.

Created on Dec 31st 2017 22:25. Viewed 651 times.

Comments

No comment, be the first to comment.
Please sign in before you comment.