DRUG-FREE BATTLE BENEFITS EVERYONE

The information here is intended to provide only a general understanding of
small-business issues. Any readers with a business problem should consult
an appropriate professional for advice on their particular circumstances.

Q. I am bidding on a contract that requires compliance with the Drug-Free
Workplace Act. As a small business, how can I afford to comply?

A. The 1988 Drug-Free Workplace Act requires recipients of federal
contracts worth $25,000 or more to have a drug-free workplace program in
place. However, even if you were not required to have a program, your
business would benefit from one. Employers with successful programs find
their employees have fewer accidents and less absenteeism and turnover.

Having such a program also might qualify you for a discount on certain
types of insurance, such as Workers' Compensation. Statistics show that
small businesses are not immune to substance abuse problems. In Texas, 60
percent of substance abusers work for small businesses.

To comply with the law, you must have a written policy. Your employees must
read the policy and indicate they understand observing the policy is a
condition of their employment. You must educate employees about the policy,
about substance abuse and about available assistance programs.

Additionally, you must make an ongoing effort to keep your workplace
drug-free. Periodic drug testing may be required.

The good news is that help is available.

Call the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention's Workplace Hotline at
800-843-4971. Or visit the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug
Information Web site at www.health.org. You can obtain free information
about evaluating your needs and implementing a program.

Houston's Drug-Free Business Alliance offers a sample policy and publishes
a list of references to assist you in finding drug testing providers,
employee assistance services and other resources.

Call them at 713-942-4100, ext. 336, or visit their Web site at
www.drug-freeworkplace.org. I also invite you to attend a free three-hour
workshop co-sponsored by the Drug-Free Business Alliance. The workshop will
be held at UH SBDC on Wednesday and will show you how to recognize
substance abuse in the workplace. Call 713-752-8482 for more information or
to register.

Mike Young is executive director of the University of Houston Small
Business Development Center, which provides free consulting and affordable
training seminars. Call the center - a partnership of the U.S. Small
Business Administration and the UH College of Business Administration - at
713-752-8400.

Send your small-business questions to Small Business, Houston Chronicle,
P.O. Box 4260, Houston 77210.