Working World

It is staggering to realize that, according to U.S.Department of Labor statistics, 17.7 million people, which translates into 14.1 percent of the workforce, use illegal drugs. Or we can figure “the figures” differently. Roughly 75 percent of all current illegal drug users are employed, just under the 79 percent mark of heavy alcohol users in the workforce. Don’t bother writing off downtime.

Ready to worry? A significant percentage of drug and alcohol abusers readily acknowledge that they have used alcohol or drugs during, or just before, work hours.

In an effort that first targeted construction workers, the third annual Working Drug-Free Week now extends to private and public enterprises in a wide range of industries. The goal, across the board, is to prevent accidents and make work places safer, to improve productivity and reduce costs. A further aim is to encourage employees to recognize problems and seek help, either through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or Member Assistance Plans (MAPs), if available.

Many employers will offer confidential screening and referrals to community resources through inserts in pay envelopes. It’s also an excellent opportunity to restate and explain company drug and alcohol policies and to offer employees informal opportunities for questions. Everyone stands to gain, because as the motto for the week says, “working drug-free works.”