Improving the safety of the workplace is a necessary and continuous task. An excellent safety measure for the workplace is setting up a drug-free workplace environment. When employees abuse alcohol and other drugs, the safety and health of a workplace is put at risk. This article will provide you information on how to establish and maintain a drug-free workplace –it only takes one impaired employee to devastate a business. Get informed now.
You can protect your business from substance abuse by implementing workplace prevention programs that educate your employees about the dangers of substance abuse and how they could get help if suffering from substance abuse problems.
When a drug-free environment is part of the work environment, occupational injuries and illnesses are drastically reduced.
There are five components that should be part of an effective drug-free workplace program: A written policy, supervisor training, employee education, employee assistance and drug testing. Below are details about what should be included for each component:
Written Policy
The written policy will make up the foundation of your dug-free workplace environment. Although every business has specific organization policy guidelines, there are effective policies all businesses should have in common. One common aspect is explaining why the policy is being implemented. Give a concise description of what behaviors are not allowed in the workplace. Make sure consequences for violating the policy are clear and share the policy with all employees. This will keep employees aware of the drug-free workplace policy and program.
Supervisor Training
Once the policy is established, your business must train all supervisors so they will know how to recognize and deal with employees who have performance problems because of substance abuse. Teach supervisors about drug testing and how to refer employees for substance abuse help.
Employee Education
Knowledge is power. A drug and alcohol education program is necessary to provide employees with information on how to follow policy and benefit from a drug free workplace program.
When drug and alcohol education programs are effective, they can provide your company information about the nature of addiction, work performance, health and personal life.
Employees should participate in the program and be delivered the message of the safety benefits of a drug-free environment on an ongoing basis. Send home mailings. Use displays around the company. Have guest speakers and sessions for new employee orientations.
Employee Assistance
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPS) are work site programs that help you identify problems, assess problems and refer services for employees. EAPs effectively address poor performances that originate with personal problems such as substance abuse.
EAPs help employers respect staff and offer alternatives of help that do not consist of dismissal for drug abuse challenges. Some assistance examples are counseling and referrals.
Drug Testing
Requiring employees to have a drug test helps deter them away from drug abuse and helps employers detect drug use. Early intervention could really help employees to stop endangering themselves and others.
The Department of Labor’s Working Partners for An Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Program and OSHA encourages businesses to maintain safe, healthy and drug-free workplaces here.
Keep your business as a safe, drug-free environment today with G&M Services.
The safety of others is very important to us. We have standards and proper procedures in place to make sure that all concrete sawing and drilling, firestop, and concrete scanning services are installed properly. Improper Installation of concrete sawing and drilling, firestop, and concrete scanning materials could result in potential injuries and/or risk to lives. Proper installation of services save lives!
If you have any questions or need professional services, please contact G&M Services LLC, by calling 410-787-8828 or click here to visit GMServices.ws!
G & M Services, LLC is your resource for Concrete Sawing, Drilling, Ground Penetrating Radar (Concrete Scanning), and FireStop services for the Maryland, Baltimore, DC and Virginia Areas. Counties include:
Maryland: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s
Virginia: Arlington, Dorchester, Fairfax, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Loudoun, and Prince William
West Virginia: Berkley, Jefferson, Morgan, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester District of Columbia
You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter as well!
Source: A Safe Workplace is a Drug-Free Workplace
The post The Importance of Establishing a Drug-Free Workplace appeared first on G&M Services LLC.