Last updated : December 23, 2024
There is always some unfortunate event in the daily news that indicates the use of drugs or alcohol. Many of the accidents on our nation’s highways are caused by those who exhibit some kind of substance abusive behavior. This may be surprising, but it has been discovered that seven out of ten drug abusers are actually employed at some of our country’s most prestigious companies, factories and corporations. As an ongoing concern, this has prompted Cleveland employers to implement drug-free workplace programs. Here are five reasons why this is necessary in the work environment.
1. Employee morale and productivity is important in any workplace. Having a drug-free work environment promotes positive energy and good job performance. Ohio substance abuse counseling centers offer employers Drug-Free Safety programs. These programs train employees and supervisors on how to approach a fellow employee who displays drug abusive behavior. The interactive trainings are conducted by licensed professional counselors and educators.
2. Employed drug abusers are prone to using a substantial portion of their medical benefits. A drug-free workplace saves the employer in costly medical and health insurance premiums. When employees are healthy, they use less of their healthcare benefits. This saves the employer at least 5% on their worker’s comp premium and reduces losses that occur due to theft, fraud and absenteeism. In the event of any of these occurrences, Ohio’s substance abuse counseling centers can be contacted to conduct an in-depth interview with a person suspected of drug use. The information is then reviewed by a team of counselors and the results are shared with the employee along with a diagnosis and recommendations for follow-up services.
3. There is a decreased amount of accidents and mishaps in a drug-free workplace. More than 50% of the accidents that happen in the workplace are drug related. Most drug abusers are prone to poor work performance because they may not be as focused as they should be while performing their job duties. Especially in factories where complex machinery is operated and the most meticulous of details must be executed. According to the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services, one year after completion of substance abuse treatment, a follow-up survey was conducted on 668 of the residents. It was found that the employers of those who were treated experienced a 92% decrease in tardiness, an 89% decrease in absenteeism and a 57% decrease in job injuries.
4. The working staff must have the ability to quickly respond in the event of a drug abuse problem in the workplace. When a problem with a fellow worker is either evident or suspected, the employee must have been instructed on some type of protocol to report substance abusive behavior. Drug issues in the workplace should not only be dealt with, but prevented. Employers in Cleveland are taking action to make their employees aware of the impact of substance abuse in their work environment and how it affects job performance. They are implementing ways in which to keep workers safe, while increasing competitiveness in their respective markets and productivity in the workplace.
5. It is important to walk into your workplace and know that your safety is assured. Cleveland employers are being proactive in making sure that the workplace is a safe-haven for both the employee and the customer. The American Management Association takes a yearly survey on the subject of “Workplace Drug Testing and Drug Abuse Policies”. From year to year it was duly noted that drug testing in the workplace has risen over 1,200 percent since 1987. The majority of businesses had some type of drug testing component in place. The human resources managers reported a significant increase in its effectiveness as it relates to the work environment.
