Working Under the Influence: Substance Abuse in the Workplace

October 20 – 26^th is “Drug-Free Work Week”, sponsored by Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace (“Working Partners”), a division of the U.S. Department of Labor. The goal of the project is to increase awareness of the problem of substance abuse in the workplace. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, also part of the U.S. Department of Labor, 74.8% of the 17.2 million users of illicit substances in 2005 held full- or part-time jobs. And, as they observe, abuse and addiction are long-term problems that do not take a break during work hours.

Working Partners cites research that indicates that 3.1% and 7.1% of individuals who abuse illicit drugs and alcohol, respectively, have consumed these substances during work hours. Even if the individual is not intoxicated while at work, other problems related to long-term use or addiction may appear while on the job.

What are signs that a worker may be abusing a substance?

• Frequent, unexplained tardiness

• Frequent, unexplained absence

• Frequent changing of position or employer

• Frequent and/or extensive breaks during the day, especially when taken in unusual places or off work property

• Being involved in or causing an accident at the workplace

• Poor productivity, especially compared to that of other employees

• Filing a worker’s compensation claim

• Changes in social interactions including isolation or aggression

• Physical changes including weight loss or gain

• Changes in mood

Are some job descriptions more prone to substance abuse than others?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has identified industries with a high risk for on-the-job injuries as correlating with increased rates of substance abuse. These industries include manufacturing, mining, wholesale, and construction.

How does working under the influence affect employees?

Being under the influence of any substance during work hours can lead to serious injuries and even death. Studies have found that 10-20% of accidents in the workplace are related to substance abuse. An intoxicated employee may cause an accident that hurts not only themselves but some of their co-workers as well. Employees who go to work while intoxicated risk losing their jobs as a result of illegal behavior and poor productivity.

How are employers affected?

The loss of productivity of intoxicated, absent, and tardy employees represents a significant annual financial loss for employers. Small business may be more vulnerable because, unlike large corporations, they may not have the knowledge or resources to prevent and address substance abuse issues as they arise.

What resources are available to employers?

The Division of Workplace Programs (part of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) and the Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace (part of the U.S. Department of Labor) offer a number of resources and recommendations for instituting drug-free initiatives in the workplace. The division provides information on employee and manager education, policy, drug testing, and employee assistance.

What are the benefits of instituting and enforcing drug-free policies in the workplace?

• Employers who strive to create a drug-free work environment may qualify for reductions in the costs of certain types of insurance, including Worker’s Compensation Insurance among others.

• Workplaces that have these programs in place report higher morale among employees as well as increased health status and less frequent use of medical programs and benefits by both the employees and their family members.

• Decreased rates of turnover, absence, tardiness, theft, and accidents; and increases in productivity are additional benefits of implementing and enforcing alcohol- and drug-free workplaces.