NCJ Number
105131
Journal
Behavioral Sciences and the Law Volume: 3 Issue: 4 Dated: (Autumn 1985) Pages: 441-453
Date Published
1985
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper examines industry concerns about alcohol and drug abuse in the workplace, employers' rights and responsibilities in ensuring a safe workplace, and the development of employee assistance programs.
Abstract
Industry concerns about alcohol and drug abuse among employees encompass health and safety; accidents; decreased productivity and absenteeism; public concern and government regulation; and personnel, medical, and insurance costs. Employers are legally responsible for providing a safe work environment and a safe product. Part of this responsibility is the development of a clear policy on employees' use of drugs and alcohol and the effective communication and enforcement of the policy. This can include the provision of employee drug education; supervisory training for the enforcement of employer drug abuse policies; and employee assistance programs designed to help employees with personal problems affecting productivity, health, safety, and morale. Key problems and issues are the use of drug testing, confidentiality, statistical reporting, and employee locker searches. A checklist is provided for the assessment of employer drug and alcohol policy and enforcement programs. 15 footnotes.