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Course Description
Drug and alcohol abuse can result in significant negative impacts on employees’ overall health and performance at work. This includes not only physical symptoms, such as changes in speech patterns or an unsteady gait, but behavioral symptoms as well. Employees under the influence may act erratically, experience mood swings, or demonstrate increased secrecy or defensiveness. When an employee’s senses are impaired, this can result in more accidents at work. This may lead to serious injuries and costly damages. To mitigate these risks, it is imperative that companies prepare and enforce a workplace drug and alcohol use policy. Doing so will enable them to foster a safer and more productive work environment.
In this course, we’ll explore the risks related to drug and alcohol abuse. We’ll discuss important components of a workplace drug and alcohol use policy and how you can enforce this policy effectively. We’ll also go over ways you can effectively confront employees about suspected violations of this policy.
What You'll Learn
- Acknowledge the risks associated with drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace
- Recognize the physical and behavioral symptoms of drug and alcohol abuse
- Craft a workplace drug and alcohol use policy aligned with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988
- Approach employees about policy violations while supporting their well-being
- Identify what constitutes reasonable suspicion of substance use
- Apply drug and alcohol testing, removal, and return-to-duty procedures
Key Takeaways
- Drug and alcohol abuse can negatively affect employees' overall health and work performance through both physical and behavioral symptoms.
- Impaired senses at work can lead to more accidents, resulting in serious injuries and costly damages.
- Preparing and enforcing a workplace drug and alcohol use policy helps foster a safer and more productive work environment.
- A workplace drug and alcohol use policy should align with the expectations of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.
- Confronting employees about suspected policy violations can be done in a way that supports their well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this course cover?
The course explores the risks related to drug and alcohol abuse, the important components of a workplace drug and alcohol use policy, how to enforce that policy effectively, and how to confront employees about suspected violations. Lessons include the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, risks of workplace substance use, reasonable suspicion, types and signs of drug and alcohol abuse, drug and alcohol testing, and removal and return-to-duty.
What skills will I gain from this course?
The course builds skills in compliance requirements, workplace safety, and substance abuse awareness.
Who is this course for?
It is suited to those responsible for crafting and enforcing a workplace drug and alcohol use policy and for approaching employees about suspected policy violations while supporting their well-being.
Does this course address legal compliance?
Yes. It covers how to craft a workplace drug and alcohol use policy that aligns with the expectations of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.
How is reasonable suspicion handled in the course?
The course includes a lesson on what reasonable suspicion is, along with recognizing the signs of drug abuse and alcohol abuse and how to approach the employee.
