Substance abuse and dependence is an unfortunate and disheartening reality that affects Americans from all walks of life. Addiction is an equalizer that does not discriminate based on age, gender, race or socioeconomic status.
According to the Surgeon General, 20.8 million people meet the criteria for substance use disorder. This equates to nearly 8% of the country’s population and a huge portion of the American workforce – which has a real impact on U.S. companies.
This is why it’s so important for companies to develop drug-free workplace policies.
HOW DOES EMPLOYEE SUBSTANCE ABUSE AFFECT EMPLOYERS?
Research is clear on the financial ramifications associated with workplace substance abuse, but a high price is also paid in human capital. When even one employee battles substance use disorder (SUD), the entire organization is at risk.
• Workers’ Compensation: When a worker has been injured as the result of alcohol or illicit drug abuse, employers could pay the price in their policy premiums. Unfortunately, when an employee has an SUD, they are also five times more likely to file a workers’ compensation claim.
• Medical Costs: Those who suffer from substance use disorder are more likely to encounter costly medical conditions than their sober peers. According to a report from the National Safety Council, these employees cost an average of $1,852 more in healthcare premiums.
• Unsafe Work Environment: Substance abuse comes with some well-known side effects, which add up to an increased risk for workplace injury. Research has shown that employees with an SUD are 3.6 times more likely to be involved in workplace accidents, presenting a risk to both themselves, and their coworkers.
• Reduced Productivity: While their sober colleagues will have days that are less productive than others, day-to-day productivity of an addicted employee will average 33% lower. According to the National Drug Intelligence Center, this lack of productivity costs employers $49 billion each year.
WHAT’S THE BENEFIT OF A DRUG-FREE WORK CULTURE?
The Nationwide Medical Review suggests seven transformative benefits of promoting a drug-free culture in the workplace:
• Reduces operational costs
• Preserves investor or shareholder interests
• Protects loyal employees
• Improves products and services
• Results in better service to customers and clients
• Increases profits
• Helps many people lead healthier lives
HOW CAN COMPANIES BEGIN TO CREATE A DRUG-FREE WORK ENVIRONMENT?
Employers should implement workplace practices that encourage safe, healthy lifestyles and discourage counter-productive behaviors, both from a personal and a business perspective.
Employers can protect themselves and their employees by taking these steps:
• Recognize the impact of drug misuse on the bottom line.
• Get a comprehensive drug-free workplace program or review an existing policy and program.
• Offer a substance abuse policy in writing and deliver it to each employee in written form; the employee should accept, sign and date the form.
• Require post-accident drug testing within 24 hours of an accident.
• Invest in an Employee Assistance Program.
• Employ additional methods of drug testing.
• Ensure employees are aware of the evolving state of drugs and the employer’s drug-free policy. Provide supervisors with the tools to do their job effectively.
HOW DOES A COMPANY CRAFT A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY?
Having a drug-free workplace policy helps employers, employees, clients and customers. Companies looking to create a drug-free workplace policy can find free resources and a sample policy on LWCC’s website.
Damian Simoneaux is the safety services manager for LWCC, a private mutual workers’ comp company. He may be reached by calling (225) 924-7788.