NCJ Number
104877
Date Published
1986
Length
138 pages
Annotation
This report documents the extent and nature of drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace and surveys strategies adopted by employers, unions, legislators, and regulators to combat the problem.
Abstract
An analysis of financial and human costs concludes that chemical abuse in the workplace costs American business as much as $100 billion a year, at least doubling accident rates, health care costs, and absenteeism. The report profiles chemical abusers, noting that younger individuals and men appear to be at greater risk. While alcohol remains the biggest single problem, illegal drugs, over-the-counter, and prescription drugs are covered. Following an overview of corporate strategies to reduce and prevent abuse, the report focuses on employee assistance plans and drug testing. It also explores the impact of chemical abuse policies on labor-management relations. Laws, regulations, and legal principles which shape and test drug and alcohol policies are considered. The report notes that the doctrines of invasion of privacy and defamation provide clear grounds for litigation seeking substantial damages for innocent victims of testing errors. Indepth accounts of 14 employer and union antichemical abuse efforts and statements from 8 experts on workplace substance abuse conclude the report.