BEST BUSINESS PRACTICES INCLUDE BEING A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

A veterinarian noticed his medications were disappearing. He had two
concerns. One, the safety of his teenage employees and second, the
financial loss of the missing drugs.

He didn't want to confront and accuse anyone without specific proof; but
luckily he had a drug-free workplace policy in place that allowed him to
identify the source of the problem. He provided written warning to the
offending employees and this scenario had a happy ending.

Another organization did not have such a happy experience after learning
too late it had chemical-abusing employees.

A magazine published an article that identified the differences between
dangerous and safe-to-eat mushrooms.

During the publication process, employee errors occurred and resulted in
the pages being switched. The magazine was distributed and several readers
died after eating the wrong type of mushrooms. During the lawsuit
proceedings, the employees of the magazine were identified as chemical abusers.

Interestingly, co-workers typically know who the chemical abusers are in
the workplace. One hospital reported that an anesthesiologist horrified
co-workers when he drank soda from an open can during a four-hour surgical
procedure. He later tested as chemical dependent.

Warning Signs

Workplace drug abuse presents a huge economic threat to employers. Health
benefit utilization is 300 percent higher for employees who are chemical
abusers.

Research shows they visit a physician to obtain a return-to-work slip to
cover absenteeism incurred during chemical use or a resulting recovery period.

Other signs of chemical problems may include increased workers'
compensation claims, performance problems, poor quality of work or
increased customers complaints. USA Today reported that drug abuse costs
companies about $98 billion a year.

Stress on co-workers who continually fill in for absent or tardy
individuals, mood swings that impact co-workers, damage to equipment, drain
on supervisory times, and poor reflection to the company's public image.

Business Is More Competitive Than Ever

One of the most difficult challenges for any business today is building a
team of employees to keep the business moving forward. Part of that
challenge is hiring employees that do not bring drug-or alcohol-related
problems to the workplace.

After Wal-Mart implemented and posted signs of being a drug-free workplace,
they found they have a better quality of applicants and have literally
observed applicants leaving when they see the drug-free workplace sign.

Becoming Drug-Free

The advantages to creating a drug-free workplace policy has an immediate 5
percent savings in workers' compensation premiums, reduced insurance costs
with many insurance firms, and increased employee morale of those who have
carried the load for previous chemically abusing co-workers.

As with many other employment issues, it's better to have a policy and
procedures in place ahead of time, says Lisa Carter, director of Drug Free
Workplace at River Region in Jacksonville.

Being prepared helps reduce the risk of legal repercussions and eases the
stress when confronted with an employee suspected of being a chemical
abuser, she said.

Club Drugs Are New

The term "club" drugs refers to a wide variety of drugs being used by young
people at dance clubs, bars, and all-night dance parties ("trances" or
"raves").

These parties are usually held in locations with high-volume music,
high-tech entertainment, and easy access to drugs. Club drugs are
attractive to today's youth because they are inexpensive and produce
increased stamina and intoxicating highs.

Because many of these drugs are colorless, tasteless and odorless,
individuals who want to intoxicate or sedate others can secretly add them
to beverages.

Numerous news reports have identified incidents involving ecstasy, rohypnol
(date-rape drug) and ketamine that provides a near-death experience, GHB
(often used by body builders) and LSD. Research has shown that club drugs
can have long-lasting negative effects on the brain, especially on memory
function and motor skills.

Workplace Prevention

Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) programs have become a major venue
for corporations to lower costs. Free information on establishing a
drug-free program is available by visiting jaxdrugfree.com or by calling
904-359-6571 ext 127.

River Region recently assisted an organization by writing its corporate
policy and providing supervisor/employee training along with total program
support including pre-hire and random testing as requested.

The National Clearinghouse at health.org/govpubs/workit/index.htm also has
free information in a page called "Making Your Workplace Drug Free -- A Kit
For Employers."

Statistically one of every 10 individuals in your workplace is involved in
chemical abuse. What would a 5 percent reduction in workers' compensation
rate mean to your organization?