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Cleaning Up Workplace
Substance Abuse Methamphetamines have thrust substance abuse back into America’s consciousness. Newspapers are full of stories about meth lab explosions and housewives who lost everything to drugs. But what about the millions of other Americans who struggle with substance abuse? The media doesn’t tell their stories, but you probably know some of them. You may not need to look any farther than your own workforce. Approximately 75 percent of illicit drug users 18 or older have jobs, according to a U.S. Department of Health & Human Services report. Unfortunately, they don’t always leave their problems at the door when they report to work. “At one end of the spectrum, you’ve got the substance abuser who misses work, shows up late, or makes costly mistakes,” said Joey Lucia, A substance abuse program can help clean up the problem. Substance abuse programs differ among companies, but they should all be anchored by a written policy statement. The policy statement should address abuse of alcohol, illegal drugs and inhalants, over-the-counter drugs, and prescription drugs. It should explain the details of the drug testing program, the consequences of violating the policy, and to whom the policy applies. If the employer offers access to an employee assistance program or other resources for getting help, the policy statement is a good place to list them. Texas Mutual Insurance Company includes its substance abuse policy statement in the employee handbook. Every employee gets a copy when hired, and annually after that. “People are more likely to take a substance abuse program seriously if they see it in writing,” said Lucia. “It sends a clear message that the employer is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace. A written policy statement combined with drug testing can jumpstart any substance abuse program.” House Bill 7, the new workers’ compensation law signed by Governor Rick Perry this summer, includes a “rebuttable presumption of intoxication” provision. Under the old workers’ compensation law, even if an employee tested positive for an intoxicating substance immediately after an injury, the insurance carrier had to prove that the employee’s intoxication contributed to the accident. House Bill 7 shifts the burden of proof to the employee. The Texas Mutual® substance abuse program includes pre-employment and reasonable suspicion testing of all employees. The company also randomly tests employees who regularly travel on company business. Larry Martin, Texas Mutual® human resources consultant, heads up the testing program. Martin says that there are costs involved in drug testing, but the potential benefits make the investment worthwhile. “The best reason to commit to a substance abuse program is also the simplest: Substance abusers tend to avoid applying for jobs with companies that test for drugs,” said Martin. “Employers can see a huge payoff in terms of productivity, morale, employee safety, and workers’ compensation costs.” Martin adds that employers should consult an attorney before they start testing to make sure they comply with all applicable laws. For more information about drug testing and other strategies for launching a substance abuse program, visit the safety resource center at texasmutual.com, or call your Texas Mutual® loss prevention consultant at (800) 859-5995. Drug Testing in the Transportation Industry
COMPNEWS - WINTER 2005 Texas Mutual® is a registered service mark of | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Winter 2005