NCJ Number
113819
Journal
Security Volume: 25 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1988) Pages: 62-64
Date Published
1988
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The workplace is ideally suited to become the next new battle ground in the Nations' war on drugs.
Abstract
It has been estimated that as much as 23 percent of the workforce may abuse drugs on the job. Employee drug abuse has been associated with poor job performance, lowered productivity, increased absenteeism, and increased use of health benefits. Workplace drug programs should be based on a carefully drafted, written drug policy. Once the policy is drafted, an orientation meeting or memorandum is needed to communicate the policy to all employees. An employee drug program at Abbott Labs was developed around a policy that emphasized detection, treatment, and discipline. Because it is easier to rehabilitate an employee than hire and train a new one, many companies now emphasize treatment through employee assistance programs. The effort to create a drug-free workplace, however, is not without its critics, who feel that this goal should not conflict with the individual's rights. However, individual rights must be balanced against the rights of other workers to safety on the job and the employers' responsibility to provide a safe and productive workplace. Tips for small companies are provided, together with a list of information resources.