Alcohol abuse and the use of illegal drugs are serious workplace problems. Nearly three quarters of those who use illegal drugs also work, and alcohol remains the leading drug of abuse as one in every ten people in the United States has an alcohol problem. Twenty percent of young workers admit to using marijuana on the job. “A person’s abuse of alcohol or other drugs affects everyone around him or her. Whether it is an employee, an employee’s loved one, or a coworker who has a problem, the impact can be felt on the job.” The good news, however, is that experience demonstrates that employers have enormous potential to protect their workplaces from the negative impact of substance abuse by educating employees about its dangers.
When you think about it, alcohol and other drugs can rob you of everything you worked so hard for: your health, family, and friends. Illegal drug use can result in being arrested and having to pay fines. Alcohol and other drugs can affect any one of us from all walks of life, at any age, and in all types of jobs. Why is having a drug free workplace important? Having a drug free workplace sends a clear message that use of alcohol and drugs in the workplace is prohibited. Drug free workplace policies help protect the health and safety of all employees, stakeholders and the public. Substance abuse also affects the bottom line; it costs you money. Drug users at a minimum consume almost twice the benefits as nonusers, are absent 1.5 times as often, and make more than twice as many workers’ compensation claims. Alcohol and other drugs create a poor work environment because drugs keep you from doing your best on the job. “Marijuana users have a 78% increase in absenteeism over non-users, 85% more injuries at work than non-users and 64% more disciplinary problems than non-users.” (AMA). Having a drug free workplace can foster increased morale, safety and productivity.
(SDFSCA), 20 U.S.3171, requires all school systems to adopt and implement a program to "prevent the use of illicit drugs and alcohol by students or employees." The federal Drug Free Workplace Act, 41 U.S.C. Section 702, requires employees to notify their employer within five days of a conviction of any criminal drug statute for a violation occurring in the workplace. However, the Georgia Drug Free Public Work Force Act, O.C.G.A. 45-23-1, requires public employers to suspend an employee for a second offense. This applies to any drug offense regardless of where it occurs. Please refer to your own local policy for additional policy restrictions. Employees with CDL's who drive school buses have additional workplace regulations that must be followed. Bus drivers must adhere to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations.
