RCMP EDUCATES BUSINESSES ON EFFECTS OF DRUG USE IN THE WORKPLACE

Cocaine use in the workplace by employees has a filtering effect from
profits to productivity was the message Cpl. Steve Irwin, of the
Leduc RCMP Drug Section, shared with the business community, Nov. 21
at Telford House.

Cocaine in the Workplace was a workshop hosted by the Leduc Community
Drug Action Committee in an attempt to raise awareness about the
issues and impacts surrounding drug abuse.

"What effects us here in Leduc is cocaine use. It's the number one
problem here," said Irwin, explaining areas across the province seem
to have one type of drug problem more than another.

"Usage in the workplace leads to unsafe work practices, accidents and
there's a risk of injury if the problem is left untreated or
unaddressed," he said, adding it was important employers educated
themselves on the effects and symptoms of the drug when being abused
by someone.

He cited employees who suddenly seem depressed, display signs of
severe agitation, decreased appetite, have dilated pupils, paranoid,
erratic behaviour, hallucinations and blurred visions are signs that
should send red flags to employers to start asking questions.

"Those on cocaine are going to cause problems for other employees,"
he pointed outs.

Irwin said each year Alberta businesses and industries experience
$400 million in lost productivity. Those abusing drugs often don't
show up for work.

"The big thing for business employers is there are things you can
look for. In your business if you see Ziploc bags on the floor in the
garbage with the corners cut out, someone is using the drug. That's
the most common way it's kept."

Further, Irwin said employers should watch out for employees who tend
to drink incisive amounts of water, take frequent bathroom breaks,
strange visitors start showing up at the business and if an employee
asks for advances.

"The best thing you can do is to ask questions. If you see any of
these signs, the red flags should be going up," he concluded.

Cocaine is a white or beige powdered substance with a pungent,
ammonia-type smell. The drug can be sniffed, snorted or injected.

For more information on cocaine or any drug use issues in the
workplace, call the Leduc Community Drug Action team at 1-780-980-7184.