While illicit drug use typically receives
the most atention, alcohol abuse does result in higher workplace costs.4,8
Since
alcohol is a “legal” substance, many view its use as an individual’s personal decision and their own business. Terefore, testing for it isn’t considered as necessary as it is for illicit drugs. Here the question should then be asked, “Why is workplace testing being conducted to begin with?” Is it conducted only to identify employees who are behaving illegally, or, to combat against tragic and costly risk to workplace and public safety? Te truth is that alcohol consumption
presents at least the same safety risk as illicit drug use does and, as part of an employer’s commitment to safety, zero-
tolerance towards alcohol is equally necessary as it is to drugs.
Benefits of a Sound Testing Program Several benefits are commonly atributed to effective testing programs, and the below apply to testing for illicit drugs and alcohol abuse: • Increased workplace and public safety • Improved employee availability and reduced turnover
• More reliable employee productivity and improved quality of work
• Decreased risk of workplace violence, theſt, or damage to employer assets
• Decreased costs associated with health care, short-term disability, and workers compensation
• State discounts for workers compensation insurance premiums
• Early identification and referral of employees who need help and rehabilitative assistance
• Improved company perception, public confidence, and brand image, with fewer customer complaints
Essential Elements of a Sound Testing Program Continued education and a consistently- enforced testing policy will best position employers to combat impairment brought about by alcohol consumption. Overall, a sound employer program will: • Ensure alignment with applicable regulations
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