IT PAYS TO BE DRUG-FREE

Employing Drug Abusers Can Become Liability For Business

Since 1998, Georgia's business owners have been entitled to a 7.5 percent
reduction on their annual workers' compensation insurance premiums by
participating in certified drug-free workplace programs. Similarly, Alabama
businesses have been allotted a 5 percent discount for up to four years
since 2000.

Locally, the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce has tried to make joining
the program simple, providing explanatory meetings and documents, including
templates for the required written policies and directions for training
managers and employees.

But few things about owning your own business are simple. Ed Gaffney has
discovered this to be true in just six months as owner of Automated Door
Ways Inc. Though the program seemed beneficial to him in several ways,
Gaffney has yet to fit it onto his list of priorities.

"It's not just signing a paper. It's rather involved," Gaffney said of the
certification and implementation process for drug-free workplaces. "You
almost need to have an administrator that's involved. Right now we don't
have an administrator."

And for now, Gaffney doesn't have drug-free certification, either. He
doesn't doubt the program's value. He just doesn't have the time as a new
business owner to commit to the program.

"Before my insurance premium runs up, which is next February, it will be
done," Gaffney said of starting the program.

Experts say Gaffney will be well served to do so. Employers of drug abusers
often get diminished efficiency and disturbances in the workplace, said
Mark A. de Bernardo, founder and executive director of the Institute for a
Drug-Free Workplace.

De Bernardo said workplaces that don't actively strive to avoid employing
drug users stand to become repositories of drug addicts rejected by other
businesses.

Still, de Bernardo said he understands the challenge of being a drug-free
small business, which include more than the potential costs of employing a
human resources worker. He said small businesses have other options in
combating the problem.

"In some respects, it's less necessary because there is more direct
supervision," de Bernardo said. "If we have 10 employees, we're seeing
what's going on in the workplace. It's going to manifest itself in missed
workdays and lack of productivity."

But de Bernardo said all employers should do what they can to prevent drugs
from affecting their workplace. Especially in businesses where tools or
heavy equipment are used, employing drug users increases the potential for
accidents that can injure workers and cripple a business.

In that sense, enforcing a drug-free policy can be thought of as another
type of insurance, said Latrina Patrick, chair of the Drugs Don't Work
committee for Columbus' chamber.

Cost no excuse

Patrick said the Chamber's program helps business owners get around the
excuses for not participating by providing training workshops that are
required for certification. The program also connects business owners with
clinics that will provide drug testing at a discounted price.

"My first instinct is it costs you more not to do it," Patrick said.
"Strategically, as a businessperson you have to look in the long term... it
will cost you less than if you have problems (with drug use) in the long term."

At Automatic Door Ways, Ed Gaffney does fear the long-term repercussions of
employing a drug user. Considering his costs for insurance, benefits,
tools, training and insuring the van each door installer uses, every
employee Gaffney hires requires a huge investment. Then Gaffney has to be
concerned that a door improperly installed could bring a lawsuit.

So while he trusts his employees and doesn't want to insult them, Gaffney
said sitting in the owner's chair has given him a new perspective on the
importance of drug testing. It's one more aspect of quality service he can
control.

"I used to be a little more liberal in my views of live and let live after
5 p.m.," Gaffney said of his stance on employees' personal lives. "When
someone shows up to a business, they are the face of my company. Nine out
of 10 customers won't really know me."