EXHIBITION FOR DRUG-FREE ENVIRONMENT IN THE WORKPLACE

To secure a drug-free environment in the workplace, the Narcotics
Control Bureau (NCB) and a private company, Adinin Group of
Companies, (AGC) have joined hands to educate the public on the
repercussions of drugs and alcohol abuse in a two-day exhibition next week.

The collaboration kicked off yesterday morning with the installation
of 12 "striking" banners along Jalan Tengah and in the vicinity of
the OGDC entrance. The banners show the dangers of consuming drugs,
interesting facts and its impact on the health and future of the abuser.

AGC Sales Engineer Aileen O Mar said the programme is the first of
its kind being organised by the company in its commitment to be drug-free.

It involves AGC employees in the prevention of drugs and alcohol
abuse, and gaining a clear understanding of its dangers.

The Jan 18-19 exhibition aims to ensure all employees are free from
drugs and alcohol abuse. It involves the health and religious
departments, offers a free health check-up, talks and visits from students.

The Belait-based company's policy against drugs, alcohol and illegal
substance includes testing prior to employment, and tests on
employees assigned to a more hazardous environment, said Ms Mar.

It carries out random testing, enforces disciplinary measures on
employees who test positive, and do close monitoring on employees
who have returned to work after treatment for drugs, alcohol or
illegal substance abuse.

AGC's policy against drug and alcohol abuse adopts disciplinary
action guidelines for first to third repeated offenders. They range
from reminder, intervention, counselling, to verbal warning that
ultimately leads to suspension or dismissal.

With the close collaboration between the private company and NCB, an
employee who tests positive for drugs will be handed over to the
government agency for further action.

At the programme, supervisors will be nominated to attend training
to identify drugs and alcohol abuse through one's appearance, change
of attitude and being missing from work.

The joint cooperation with NCB involves random urine testing and
joint talks, family day and other activities which lead to a healthy
lifestyle of employees and their families.

The AGC said through its Drugs and Alcohol Abuse committee, it is
dedicated to protect the health and safety of its employees, and
anyone with such problems can come forward in confidence for advice and help.

The exhibition at the OGDC gallery will be from 9am to 4pm. AGC
Managing Director Awg Musa bin Hj Adinin is expected to inaugurate the event.