Department of Labor (DOL) Gears Up for “Drug-Free Work Week”
DOL has designated October 19 through 25, as “2009 Drug-Free Work Week.” See their website for a variety of resources for employers, workers, associations, unions, neighborhood groups, and community coalitions to take part. http://www.dol.gov/asp/programs/drugs/workingpartners/DFWW-Introduction.asp
An annual event, drug-free work week highlights the productivity, safety, and economic benefits of drug-free workplace programs which, as we all know, reduce the costs of workers’ compensation and provide a better, safer environment for all employees. In some states, a company recieves a discounted premium when they implement a drug-free workplace program. Check with your insurance broker to see if you are in these states and whether your company qualifies.
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Working drug free works is DOL’s major promotional goal because:
1. Accidents are prevented.
2. Workplaces are then safer.
3. Productivity improves.
4. Costs are reduced.
5. Encourages people with alcohol and drug problems to seek help
DOL reports significant data on drugs/alcohol and the workplace.
1. 75% of the nation’s current illegal drug users are employed.
2. 3.1% say they have used illegal drugs before or during work hours.
3. 79% of the nation’s heavy alcohol users are employed.
4. 7.1% say they have consumed alcohol during the workday.
Employers MUST encourage employees with drug and/or alcohol problems to seek help because recent research by DOL shows “it’s a message people need to hear.” (workersxzcompxzkit)
A Drug-Free Work Week Tool Box and links to ideas for various types of organizations are available on the DOL website.
Also see http://reduceyourworkerscomp.com/drug-testing-state-laws.php for the only FREE set of drug laws covering individual states.
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers’ Compensation costs, including airlines, health care, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He can be contacted at: [email protected] or 860-786-8286.
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All state laws vary.
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