Most drug and alcohol abusers seek work—and some may be filling out applications in your lobby right now. What are the legal, workable, and effective ways to keep them out?
As we reported in yesterday’s Advisor, most abusers of drugs and alcohol are in the workplace, but they aren’t doing you any favors by being there. Studies show greater absenteeism, poorer health, and probably poor effort and output.
Well, it gets worse. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), between 10 percent and 20 percent of workers who die on the job test positive for alcohol or other drugs. In fact, industries with the highest rates of drug use also are those at highest risk for occupational injuries, such as construction, mining, manufacturing, and wholesale.
Although OSHA does not require drug-free workplace programs, one look at the statistics shows that they are a sensible—many would say necessary—step for any business to take. (Laws do require federal contractors to have drug-free workplace programs, and there are also requirements for companies in the transportation industry.)
Set up a drug-testing program that is legal, workable, and effective. Attend the November 29 special audio conference to find out how. Read More
The data show that there’s real benefit in substance abuse testing programs, especially in conjunction with company-provided employee assistance programs. Together, they reduce the risk of substance-related problems at work—as well as reduce the ever-present risk of lawsuits relating to sticky ADA, FMLA, and workers’ compensation issues. But they must be implemented properly.
Join us on November 29 for a 90-minute audio conference when our expert—an occupational physician and certified HR professional—will discuss how to craft an effective substance abuse policy and a testing program that is simple, accurate, and legal.
You’ll learn:
- Who you can lawfully test, when, and for what
- Why you shouldn’t write off the idea of substance abuse testing, even if you think your workplace doesn’t have a problem (Hint: Once the word’s out that you don’t test, you’ll be a magnet for drug users.)
- How to protect against allegations of wrongful testing or bias
- Options for structuring a successful substance abuse testing program
- Methods available for testing, and the advantages and disadvantages of each
- Whether or not “rapid tests” are a good idea
- Whether it is wise to use a DOT-style program in a non-DOT setting
- Special precautions regarding alcohol testing
- How to administer a tough program without running afoul of the ADA, FMLA, and other laws
Can’t attend the November 29 conference on Keeping Drugs and Alcohol Out of Your Workplace? Preorder the conference CD. Click for info.
About Your Speaker:
The audio conference presenter is noted occupational physician and HR professional W. Smith Chandler. Dr. Chandler is board-certified in occupational medicine and is a Certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR®); In other words, he is uniquely qualified to lead this conference. An occupational medicine consultant for more than 20 years, he has aided many organizations in preparing policies and setting up successful substance abuse testing programs.
His presentation will provide detailed analysis peppered with practical examples. Most important, he will answer your specific individual questions. Phone in or e-mail at any time during the audio conference!
Date and time: November 29, 2007, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. EST (Adjust for your time zone.)
We strongly recommend that you attend this valuable session, or if November 29 is not convenient, that you preorder the CD of the session.
Click here for more information or to preorder the CD