Ensuring Safety Builds Confidence in the Employer, Increases Business

Safety in the workplace should be a given. Anyone going to work each day has an expectation of safety inherent in the position they are working in. Even those in high risk jobs know the level of risk they assume in taking that position. But that does not take the responsibility from the employer in making every effort to make their workplace meet or exceed OSHA safety standards. That is the main reason we encourage all employers to have written safety policies that hold employees accountable, including those stating clear policies regarding drug or alcohol use.

According to the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association (DATIA), prescription drug abuse has reached epidemic proportions and is the nation’s fastest growing problem in the workplace. While intended to alleviate pain, opioids are a class of prescription drugs that have a strong potential for abuse and can lead to addiction. Well known members of this class include morphine, codeine and heroin, but also includes hydrocodone (Lortab, Vicodin, or Norco), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), oxycodone (Oxycontin) and meperidine (Demerol). Unfortunately, Opioid use effects an employee’s ability to perform the normal tasks of their job in many ways. Both physical and mental impairment places the person working under the influence of these drugs in danger, as well as placing those working around them at risk. This risk is drastically increased if the employee is in a position of driving vehicles, or heavy equipment.

Without written policies in place, your employee could be working under the influence, and your company may be held liable for damages caused by that impaired employee. By writing and enforcing written safety policies, all employees feel more confident in the employer's committment to safety, and are more likely to follow through with these safe behaviors even at home. Let’s keep our customers and other employees safe from an impaired co-worker.