NCJ Number
212601
Date Published
2004
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video provides information from community coalitions on how they are working with businesses to make the workplace safer, healthier, and drug-free, along with the key components and elements necessary for developing a successful drug-free workplace initiative.
Abstract
It is estimated that 75 percent of illicit drug users are employed in the workplace. The peak age for drug use is said to be 21 years of age. The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) and the Multijurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force Training (MCTFT) Program in Florida have brought together in this video, community leaders and community coalition program directors from Oregon and Pennsylvania to discuss and provide key information on the development of community coalition initiatives to reduce drug use in the workplace. The prevention of drug use in the workplace is about reducing the risk and using a risk reduction index. The video presents the five basic elements of drug-free workplace initiatives: (1) development of policies tailored to the employee; (2) enhanced supervisor skills to intervene in performance problems early; (3) qualified employee assistance experts in the area of drugs; (4) certified drug testing labs to protect a business; and (5) employer education to raise awareness. Additional information is presented on the benefits of an employee assistance program (EAP), the benefits of a drug-free workplace campaign, typical misconceptions of employers about implementing a drug-free program, mandates and incentives in establishing an initiative, training and technical assistance, evidence-based programs, and employer privacy issues. Employee substance abuse bottom-line costs can take many forms including frequent turnovers, lower productivity, higher medical costs, increased absenteeism/tardiness, more accidents, and more workers’ compensation claims.