ARC Training Tools

1. ARC Training Tools Alabama Retail is committed to partnering with our members to create and keep safe workplaces. Be sure to check out all of the training tools that are available in our Safety Library. This training tool is brought to you by

2. Substance Abuse In the Workplace What Supervisors Need to Know

3. Session Objectives You will be able to: • Identify the harmful effects of substance abuse in the workplace • Enforce requirements of our policy and the law • Recognize signs of an abuse problem • Take effective steps to assist employees in getting help, while protecting other workers and the organization

4. Session Outline • Scope and cost of the problem • Requirements of the law and our policy • Your role in dealing with substance abuse • Confidentiality and documentation • Detecting substance abuse on the job • Taking effective action

5. The Scope of the Problem • Substance abuse is a serious workplace issue • 10 percent of workers have a problem • Most substance abusers are employed • Anyone can be a substance abuser

6. The Cost of Substance Abuse • Substance abuse costs more than $50 billion annually • Abusers are: • Less productive • Lose more time from work • Abusers have more accidents

7. The Cost of Substance Abuse (cont.) • 40 percent of industrial fatalities are linked to substance abuse • 47 percent of all occupational accidents can be attributed to substance abuse • Substance abuse also leads to theft and crime in the workplace

8. Drug-Free Workplace Act • Written policy • Awareness program • Reporting requirements • Disciplinary action • Rehabilitation

9. OSH Act • Duty to provide employees with a workplace “free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm” • Substance abuse is such a hazard

10. Our Policy • Prohibits the possession, use, or sale of drugs or alcohol on company premises • Forbids working under the influence • Provides assistance for employees who want help for an abuse problem • Imposes discipline on those who refuse help

11. You Play a Key Role • Promote awareness of the problem • Communicate company policy about substance abuse in the workplace • Monitor employee performance • Refer abusers to professionals for assistance • Administer appropriate discipline

12. Confidentiality • Employee privacy requirements • People in the information loop • Beneficial effects of confidentiality

13. Documentation • Documenting performance • Recording on-the-job incidents • Recognizing patterns of behavior • Increasing the possibility of early intervention • Keeping a record of supporting actions and recommendations

14. Substance Abuse Basics • Questions?

15. Detecting Substance Abuse • Performance monitoring is the key to detection • Abuse may not be obvious • Abusers try to hide their problem

16. Detecting Substance Abuse (cont.) • Co-workers may be reluctant to speak up • Family and friends may be involved in secrecy and denial

17. Alcohol Abuse • Social drinking • Symptomatic drinking • Addictive drinking: the final stage

18. Early Warning Signs • Inexplicable fall-off of work efficiency • Frequent tardiness • Excessive use of sick days • Sudden decisions to use vacation time • Involvement in accidents, near misses, and errors • Heavy use of breath sweeteners

19. Early Warning Signs (cont.) • Fatigue • Weight loss • Facial changes • Mental slowdown

20. Impairment in Functioning • Low tolerance for frustration • Impulsiveness • “Know it all” attitude • Anxiety • Oversensitivity

21. Impairment in Functioning (cont.) • Isolation • Defiance • Mood swings • Rationalization • Dependency

22. Drug Abuse • Profile of a drug abuser • Forms of drug abuse • Safety concerns • Productivity and quality concerns

23. Early Warning Signs • Otherwise inexplicable changes in performance • Excessive tardiness and absenteeism • Increased number of accidents or near misses • Changes in appearance • Attitudinal and behavioral extremes

24. Early Warning Signs (cont.) • Mood swings • False confidence • Mental slowdown • Secrecy

25. Common Drugs • Marijuana • Cocaine • Heroin • Amphetamines (a.k.a. “speed” or “uppers”) • Prescription drugs

26. Detecting Substance Abuse • Questions?

27. Be Prepared to Act • Never ignore a problem • Talk to the employee privately • Give the employee an opportunity to respond

28. Be Prepared to Act (cont.) • Alert the employee to programs within and outside the organization that can help • Emphasize that employee must meet established standards • Warn about possible discipline • Monitor performance and behavior

29. How to Handle a Crisis • Signs of a crisis • Call in your manager or another supervisor • Quietly remove the employee • Recommend a medical evaluation

30. How to Handle a Crisis (cont.) • If the employee refuses medical evaluation • Document the incident

31. Substance Abuse Checklist • Familiar with our policy? YES NO • Understand requirements ofDrug-Free Workplace Act? YES NO • Remind employees about policy? YES NO • Distribute and post informationabout substance abuse? YES NO

32. Checklist (cont.) • Know how to refer employees with abuse problems? YES NO • Know what to do in an alcohol- or drug-related emergency? YES NO • Familiar with the symptoms of alcohol abuse? YES NO

33. Checklist (cont.) • Familiar with the symptoms of drug abuse? YES NO • Document incidents that might be alcohol- or drug-related andmaintain confidentiality? YES NO

34. Key Points to Remember • Substance abuse threatens the safety and security of our company and employees • Never ignore suspected abuse • Take immediate action under our policy to get abusers the help they need and to protect your other workers and the organization