Goals and Objectives of a Drug-Free Workplace Program

To assist companies in complying with the 1988 Drug-Free Workplace Act.

To provide drug testing specimen collection and testing.

To provide breath alcohol testing for alcohol misuse and abuse.

To provide training to raise awareness of employees and supervisors about alcohol and drugs in the workplace.

To provide evaluation services for tests which may test positive for alcohol and/or drugs.

Introduction

A Drug-Free Workplace Program is designed to assist businesses in creating and maintaining a drug-free work environment. Profile EAP Drug-Free Workplace Program provides policy development/consultation, management/supervisory trainings, employee trainings and employee assistance/rehabilitation services. Drug/alcohol testing and medical review officer services are provided by Centura Centers for Occupational Medicine - CCOM.

Profile EAP has over ten years of experience in setting up comprehensive Drug-Free Workplace Programs in southern Colorado. We have been serving southern Colorado companies since 1982. We are part of the Centura Health system, and have the advantage of being backed by the staff, facilities and resources of one of Colorado's most comprehensive health care providers.

It is estimated that twenty-five (25) percent of U.S. workers have a problem with alcohol and/or drug abuse. The problem of alcohol and drug abuse is costing American businesses over $100 billion a year. The costs are a result of lost productivity. Substance abusers are, on average, one third less productive than non abusers and have higher health insurance costs, medical claims, workers' compensation claims, accidents, injuries, mistakes, absenteeism and theft.

Compared to non abusing employees, substance abusers have been found to:
 

• Incur 300 percent higher medical costs
• Take three times as much sick leave and have six times more absences
• File five times more workers' compensation claims
• Have four times more accidents on the job
• Make twice as many mistakes

Employees often feel that what they do on their own time should not concern their employer. While employees do have a right to privacy, the fact that the vast majority of the damage done by substance abuse occurs on the job, endangering the health and safety of employees and engendering significant expenses for the employer, makes substance abuse that occurs off the job the employer's legitimate concern.

A comprehensive Drug-Free Workplace Program Offers:

• Drug-Free Workplace policy consultation and development
• Preventive education programs to heighten employee awareness of the dangers of substance abuse.
• Supervisor training on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of substance abuse and how to effectively intervene.
• An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to provide the resources employees need to prevent or treat their substance abuse.
• A drug testing program designed to protect the health and safety of the workforce.

Background

Approximately 73% of drug users in the United States are employed, costing American businesses billions of dollars annually in lost productivity and increased health care costs. In response, many employers have established workplace substance abuse programs to ensure that their work forces are productive, their workplaces are safe, and the success of their businesses is not hindered by substance abuse.

A comprehensive Drug-Free workplace program includes five components and is the most effective way to address substance abuse problems in the workplace.

Step One: Writing a Substance Abuse Policy

Before you actually start writing your substance abuse policy, there are a number of important steps that you may want to take. A needs assessment survey may help you to better understand the company's current situation and determine exactly what you want the program to accomplish. Profile EAP provides policy consultation to help you develop a comprehensive policy about substance abuse in your workplace.

Step Two: Training Supervisors

The level of support your supervisors give to the company's substance abuse program, combined with the fairness of your program and the firmness of your commitment, will greatly influence its potential for success. Profile EAP provides an extensive four hour training for supervisors on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of substance abuse.

Step Three: Educating Your Employees

Educating all of your workers about substance abuse and your company's substance abuse program is a critical step in actually achieving the objectives of the program. Profile EAP provides a 90 minute training for employees on substance abuse in the workplace.

Step Four: Providing Employee Assistance

Terminating employees with alcohol and other drug problems and hiring a new worker may seem to be the most cost-effective approach. In some cases, starting fresh may be the best course of action. In most cases, however, it actually makes better sense--from a business point of view as well as a humanitarian one--to help employees overcome personal problems. Profile EAP provides evaluations for individuals who have substance abuse issues. We also provide case management to ensure the individual is complying with any back-to-work agreements made between the employer and the employee.

Step Five: Drug and Alcohol Testing

Drug and alcohol testing by itself is not a substance abuse program. Many companies, however, believe that, when combined with the other components of a comprehensive substance abuse program, testing can be an effective deterrent to substance abuse and an important tool to help employers identify workers who need help. Drug testing services and medical review officer services are provided by Centura Centers for Occupational Medicine (CCOM).

For more information about how you can set up a drug-free workplace or drug testing, please contact Profile EAP at:

Colorado Springs: 719-634-1825
Pueblo: 719-560-0612
Canon City: 719-275-4245
Woodland Park: 719-634-1825
Denver: 303-765-6363
Toll Free: 1-800-645-6471