Always provide transportation to and from the facility. Health and safety duties Knowing the signs of suspected drug use in the workplace and reporting policies will help you be prepared to deal with the situation. Workplace impairment as an occupational health and safety issue is of increasing concern to British Columbia employers, workers, and other stakeholders. But there are certain signs you can look for that, when taken in tandem, can be more than just performance issues. Importantly, an addiction or other disability does not excuse an employee from his or her duties under the accommodation process. Using drugs impairs decision-making abilities as well as physically impairs people. Of all drug users, 68.9% are employed and active in the workplace, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA). Download your free cheat sheet on How to Deal with Employee Drug Use to learn what to do about employee drug use in your office. When you’re the manager of an employee whom you suspect abuses drugs while at work, talk to him. Let’s take a look at some important advice for reporting … By Natural HR 26/10/2016 October 19th, 2018 Employee Wellbeing. Once employees have completed rehab, many EAPs also provide assistance re-integrating into the workplace. Ways that problematic substance use may cause issues at work include: any impact on a person’s judgment, alertness, perception, motor coordination or emotional state that also impacts working safely or safety sensitive decisions. Part of this culture can depend on the gender mix of employees. Following models established in the workplace, some schools conduct drug testing on students suspected of illicit drug use (called reasonable suspicion/cause testing). Alcohol and drugs in the workplace: What to do if you suspect substance abuse . You may even suspect that someone at your workplace is dealing or using drugs. If they refuse the test refer to your drug and alcohol policy, especially if your policy states that refusing the test will be treated as a positive drug test result or will result in immediate termination of employment. Think about whether drug and alcohol misuse in your workplace is treated as a disciplinary matter or a health concern. This is a deadly concoction when on the job. Drug or alcohol abuse in the workplace is obviously a serious concern. But looking after the health and safety of your employees can be a real challenge. Log into your account. Following your company’s drug protocol is essential for making sure that the appropriate action can be taken. Under law both employers and employees have a duty to ensure that the workplace is safe. That is, employees experiencing the ongoing detrimental effects of off-the-job drinking may have greater difficulty in coping with "normal" workplace pressures. This should include references to: 1. odors 2. speech 3. eyes being dilated or constricted 4. emotional issues such as agitation or irritability 5. drowsiness 6. excessive sweating 7. other telltale signs The fact that some people use substances such as alcohol or illicit drugs, or that some people misuse prescription drugs is not new. The trends between alcohol and drug use in the workplace are interesting. This is followed by a step-by-step guide to addressing problematic substance use that impacts the workplace. Watch out for the signs of drug use — Looking for drug use in the workplace setting is not as easy as if you were watching out for a close friend or family member. Supervisors should also know the signs and symptoms of drug abuse. The information provided through Drugabuse.com should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. To our customers: We’ll never sell, distribute or reveal your email address to anyone. Neither you nor your managers are likely experts at determining when an employee is using drugs. The use of alcohol and other drugs can impact on workplaces in a number of ways, affecting relationships, safety and productivity. Over 1 in 10 Americans admit they would ignore social distancing rules to see friends on NYE. Substance use & impairment in the workplace. A second management person should also observe the behavior. President, SACS Consulting & Investigative Services. 0. Clearly as part of this duty, if an employee is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs (whether prescription or illegal drugs) then an employer may be expected to take action to protect the employee and/or others. Other common signs include: If you notice these symptoms, it is time to tell a supervisor. These should be addressed by removing the cause of the problem. What to Do if You Suspect Someone Is Using Illegal Substances. A quality assistance program will offer services such as counseling to deal with substance abuse problems. Tags: Drug Testing Employees, Drug Use in the Workplace, Employees and Employers, Suspect Drug Use Employee This entry was posted on Thursday, July 23rd, 2009 at and is filed under Employer Best Practices, Employer tips.You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. in Sociology, with an emphasis in criminology, from Dennison University. Be sure that all supervising staff members are knowledgeable of the drug code that is to be enforced. Employees who abuse drugs and alcohol can also make a workplace more volatile and dangerous, exposing employers to legal liability and other legal issues. Establishing clear policies and procedures can protect your company in the event of suspected drug use, as well as deter employees from working under the influence. There are specific steps that can and should be taken by management to properly execute and document any situation. As a business leader, you need to keep an eye out for signs of drug use in your workplace. Eric Patterson, MSCP, NCC, LPC, is a professional counselor who has been working for over a decade to help children, adolescents, and adults in western Pennsylvania reach their goals and improve their well-being. In some jobs such as road and rail transport, maritime and mining occupations, the law sets down a legal blood alcohol level and may prohibit a worker from being affected by any drugs—legal or illegal. Here are some of the possible signs to watch out for: Significant speech changes, such as slurring or incoherence. Employees must also take reasonable care of themselves and anyone who could be affected by their work. Never feel that you are risking a coworker’s job. i-Sight software is a better way to manage investigations. Updated November 07, 2019 There are federal laws that provide guidelines on the policies employers can set regarding drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace. Timothy A. Dimoff, CPP, president of SACS Consulting & Investigative Services, Inc., is a speaker, trainer and author and a leading authority in high-risk workplace and human resource security and crime issues. What do you do if you suspect an employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol at work? Web page: Drug-free workplace resources (U.S. Department of Labor) LIKE SAVE PRINT EMAIL Reuse Permissions. The culture of the workplace can play a large role in whether drinking and drug use are accepted and encouraged or discouraged and inhibited. The misuse of drugs, including alcohol and other substances, can be a serious problem for the abuser, co-workers and the organisation itself. Download a free Employee Drug Test Consent Form template. “High-functioning” does not mean healthy. Signs of Drug Use at Work. You are less effective and productive; this can impact both your work and that of co-workers. You are less effective and productive; this can impact both your work and that of co-workers. Reporting your suspicions can also prompt an addict to seek treatment. Fortunately, a new online calculator from the National Safety Council allows businesses to get an estimate of how much addiction may be costing their company. If you feel that you have a substance abuse problem, do not suffer in silence. Updated November 07, 2019 There are federal laws that provide guidelines on the policies employers can set regarding drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace. 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