Some years ago, the United Nations reported that while the United States represents 5 percent of the total world population, it consumes nearly 60 percent of all illegal drugs produced. Unfortunately, the situation appears to be getting worse. The good news is that the vast majority of workers are not substance abusers. However, studies show that workers who are substance abusers have significantly higher rates of workplace accidents, file more workers' compensation claims, have higher medica l benefits costs, and are absent more often. Studies also show that workers who abuse substances are less productive than their co-workers.
Many employers can easily recognize workplace substance abuse.
However, sometimes the signs are not so obvious. Fortunately, much information is available to help employers. Help is just a telephone call away. The Workplace Helpline is a toll-free resource for business owners, supervisors and managers, and union leaders to call for assistance in developing and maintaining a workplace substance abuse program. The Helpline, which is operated by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, a component of the Department of Health and Human Services, also distributes materials regarding policy development, Federal regulations, drug testing, and other related issues.