Laws on drug-free workplace programs may be very complex, non-existent, or somewhere in between, but employers can follow some simple steps to set a foundation for ensuring compliance, fair application, and consistency.

The following best practices are helpful for all organizations that strive for a drug-free workplace:

1. Ask the experts
   Consult an employment attorney or legal counselor whenever you alter your drug-free workplace policy, or if you’re launching a new program.
2. Set clear penalties for policy violations
   If your policy includes a drug-testing program, state who will be tested...

Over the past decades in the U.S., studies were performed to determine the efficacy of drug-free workplace programs.  Here are some of those results:

• Workers’ Compensation Insurance claims: 38% to 50% of all claims are related to substance abuse in the workplace; substance abusers file three to five times as many claims.
• Medical costs:  Substance abusers incur 300% higher medical costs than non-abusers.
• Absenteeism: Substance abusers are 2.5 times more likely to be absent eight or more days a year.
• Lost productivity: Substance abusers are one-third less productive.
• Employe...

Why do employers perform drug testing in the workplace? There are many reasons but primarily drug testing is used by organizations to avoid hiring new employees that may pose risks in the workplace, create a safe work environment, support employee health and safety, comply with governmental or industry mandated regulations, address acute workplace drug use problems, and demonstrate social responsibility.

Employers that conduct drug testing typically do so at, or following, pre-determined circumstances. They may include pre-employment, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing...

Studies have found that nearly 80% of people suffering from illicit substance abuse hold full or part-time jobs. This means that they aren’t keeping their drug use separate from their work because drug abuse typically spreads into every aspect of a person’s life. Employers around the globe face the realities that, one or more of their employees may be taking illegal drugs, or abusing prescription drugs, and the only way they can help prevent drug use from affecting their business is to establish a Drug Free Workplace Program (DFWP). As an employer, it doesn’t mean that you are suspecting or...

The following components of a drug free workplace program are typical of many employers’ comprehensive program features. Of course, details may vary by country or locale, industry standards, employment practices, or laws.

Written drug free workplace policy – the written policy identifies the specific provisions of the employer’s drug free workplace program and how infractions will be handled.

Drug and alcohol testing – testing workers for the presence of drugs or alcohol creates a deterrent effect that encourages them to avoid the use of substances outside of those prescribed by their...

Good morning! 

Just a few weeks ago, we observed Drug Free Work Week in the U.S. It was originally founded to improve safety and health in the construction industry through drug-free workplace programs. The first Drug Free Work Week was observed in 2006, and in subsequent years, more and more organizations—representing a range of industries—also rallied behind the effort, helping to firmly establish it as an annual opportunity to reinforce to employers and employees alike that “working drug free works.”

Today, employers and stakeholders for safe and healthy workplaces, promote this...

Hello everyone!  We are excited that our workplace prevention forum is now open. We will post information, news, resources, research, and much more, as we move forward.  This is the place to voice your questions  and to participate in discussions regarding substance abuse prevention in your work environment.

Best regards,

Karen Belanger, Moderator