FORMER T.B.I. DRUG EXPERT SPEAKS TO PLANT MANAGERS

Concerns about drug use in the workplace have steadily increased the past
several years. On Wednesday, an expert in the field of drugs in the
workplace spoke to business representatives gathered at the Sparta-White
County Chamber of Commerce plant managers' luncheon.

Chip Lewis, owner and president of Premier Drug Compliance, in Cookeville,
educated plant managers and human resource managers about the potential
dangers of employees who may be performing their jobs while under the
influence of illegal drugs. Lewis' background has given him the knowledge
required to educate industries about maintaining a drug-free workplace and
how to legally handle drug-related situations when they arise.

Lewis received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology from
University of Tennessee in Chattanooga and began his law enforcement career
in 1994 with Manchester Police Department. In 1998, he began employment
with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, where he was a special agent
assigned to the Drug Investigation Division. He has also received training
from the Drug Enforcement Agency (D.E.A.), Federal Bureau of Investigation
(F.B.I.) and U.S. Department of Justice. Lewis is certified to dismantle
and recognize methamphetamine labs. He is certified as a collector and
instructor in accordance with the Department of Transportation to collect
urinalysis and hair specimens for drug screening.

According to Lewis, more workers' compensation claims are filed by business
and industries that have employees working under the influence of drugs.
"Drug users flock together," said Lewis. "If you have hired one, others
will follow."

Lewis recommended that plant managers and human resource managers review
the Tennessee Drug Free Workplace program. Although the program is
voluntary, the advantages are numerous for the employer. The covered
employers choosing to participate in the program have three major benefits.

- - Receive five percent premium credit on workers' compensation policy

- - Discharge or discipline of an employee, or refusing to hire a job
applicant, who is found to be in violation of the covered employer's Drug
Free Workplace Program, will be considered done for cause.

- - If an employee suffers a workplace injury and receives a positive
confirmed post-accident drug test from illegal use of drugs or alcohol, or
refuses to submit to a post-accident drug or alcohol test, the burden of
proof is shifted to the employee.

A question and answer session was conducted where Lewis addressed the
concerns of those in attendance. He also explained in detail proper
retrieval of drug specimens and accuracy of tests.

For more information about a drug-free workplace, Lewis can be reached at
931/432-8378.