USA: Significant risks to workers’ health and productivity
Most substance users are in the workplace, says report
Most of America’s estimated 16.4 million current drug users and around 15 million heavy alcohol users hold full time jobs, according to a study by the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA].
Based on a nationally representative sample of 128,000 people between the ages of 18 and 64, the study, Worker Substance Abuse and Workplace Policies and Programs, shows that substance use can pose significant risks to workers health and productivity.
Food service employees and construction workers had the highest rates of illicit drug use, and the rates of heavy alcohol use in hazardous industries, such as mining and maintenance are a particular cause for concern. The report goes on to say that workers who use illicit drugs are less likely than non–users to be employed by firms with drug or alcohol testing programs.
Substance users and heavy drinkers also have higher rates of absenteeism from work and more frequent job changes according to the data.
Director of National Drug Control Policy John Walters said, “We hope that employers will take note of this report and consider implementing workplace drug testing policies that can help prevent drug use before it starts, help identify drug–using employees who need drug treatment services and also reduce employers’ liability from drug related workplace accidents.”
SAMHSA runs a helpline with advice on programs that it says can make a dramatic difference to everyone in the workplace, such as substance abuse policy development, employee substance abuse education and drug testing.
For further information visit the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website at: www.samhsa.gov.
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