Drug-Free Work Week: October 18-24, 2010
Drug-Free Work Week is a public awareness campaign which is implemented by the Department of Labor’s Working Partners for an Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace program in collaboration with several organizations, including Federal government agencies and non-profit associations. The annual campaign highlights the importance of being drug free to workplace safety and encourages workers with alcohol and drug problems to seek help.
According to recent research,
75 percent of the nation’s current illegal drug users are employed—and 3.1 percent say they have actually used illegal drugs before or during work hours.
79 percent of the nation’s heavy alcohol users are employed—and 7.1 percent say they have actually consumed alcohol during the workday.
The Department of Labor suggests several activities that can be done in your workplace including:
- Implementing a Drug Free Workplace program, which should include a written policy.
- Training supervisors on ways to deal with workers who have performance problems that may be related to substance abuse; and how to refer employees to available assistance. A First-Line Fact Sheet is attached as a starting point to help you educate supervisors and managers.
- Remind employees about your EAP (Employee Assistance Program). If you don’t have an EAP, there are many community resources available. Contact the HR Works, Inc helpline for further information.
- Allow employees to volunteer in community drug prevention efforts.
- Feature Drug Free Week in your company newsletter or intranet.
For more ideas visit the NYS Department of Labor’s home page on Drug Free Week at http://www.dol.gov/asp/programs/drugs/workingpartners/dfww-introduction.asp.
Source: NYS Department of Labor
