Substance Abuse In the Workplace

Division of Risk Management

State of Florida Loss Prevention Program

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.

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-worker’s problem.

How to get help for a drug or alcohol problem.

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.

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.

The Cost of Substance Abuse (Contd.)

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.

Drug-Free Workplace Act

Written policy.

Awareness program.

Reporting requirements.

Disciplinary action.

Rehabilitation.

OSHA Requirements

Protection against recognized hazards.

Substance abuse is such a recognized hazard.

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.

Substance Abuse Basics

Do you understand the information presented in the previous slides?

Alcohol

Has a sedative effect.

Can be highly addictive.

Impairs job performance.

Is a proven killer.

Marijuana

Most frequently used drug in the workplace

Is a relaxant Impairs

performance Effects can last

for hours

Cocaine Causes a brief intense

high.

Can be highly addictive.

Seriously impairs performance.

Increases potential for accidents and crime.

Can destroy a person’s life.

Amphetamines

Used to give energy or lose weight.

Highly addictive.

Impair job performance.

Cause serious physical damage.

Heroin

Highly addictive.

Leads to serious health conditions.

Impairs job performance.

Increases potential for workplace theft and crime.

Hallucinogens

Distort users’ perception of reality.

Cause bizarre and sometimes violent behavior.

Impair job performance.

Can cause irreversible physical and mental problems.

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.

Substance Abuse Specifics

Do you understand the information presented in the previous slides?

How Can You Recognize An Abuse Problem?

Early on.

As the problem becomes more serious.

Once a person is addicted.

How Can You Get Help?

Ask your supervisor or human resources for programs the company provides.

Talk to a health professional or minister.

How Can You Get Help?

Look in the phone book.

Check the Internet.

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.

Key Points to Remember

Substance abuse threatens the productivity, safety, and security of the company and employees.

Working under the influence of alcohol or drugs seriously impairs a person’s ability to perform the job well and safely.

Never ignore a substance abuse problem—take prompt action to solve it.

Questions?

For more information on this subject, please contact:

Division of Risk Management State of Florida Loss Prevention Program

StateLossPreventionProgram@myfloridacfo.com

(850)413-4756