Pubdate: Thu, 21 Apr 2005
Source: Red Deer Advocate (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 Red Deer Advocate
Contact:  http://www.reddeeradvocate.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2492
Author: Harley Richards, Advocate Business Editor

DRUGS, ALCOHOL IN WORKPLACE CREATE 'SCARY' STATISTICS

That bleary-eyed worker manoeuvring a truck through your job site could be 
showing the effects of a bad cold.

Or he might be under the influence of drugs.

The latter possibility is more likely than many realize, suggests Marjie 
Garner, president of Garner Associates Ltd., an occupational health and 
disability management company.

Speaking Wednesday at the Petroleum Services Association of Canada's spring 
conference in Red Deer, Garner pointed out that workplace drug use is 
becoming increasingly common.

"Marijuana is probably the most prevalent drug that you will find in the 
workplace, but the others are there too," said Garner, listing cocaine, 
opiates, amphetamines, solvents, LSD and PCP.

Alcohol abuse has also become a major workplace problem, with employees 
drinking on the job or working after they consume alcohol. "Seventy per 
cent of alcoholics are employed and 20 to 30 per cent of the workplace 
accidents involve people in an intoxicated state," said Garner. "Fifteen to 
30 per cent of workplace fatalities are related to alcohol misuse.

"That's kind of scary."

Even prescription drugs and over-the-counter products can adversely affect 
workers' performance and safety, said Garner. She suggested that anyone 
taking such substances should notify their supervisors.

There are a number of signs and symptoms that could indicate drug abuse, 
said Garner.

Users' eyes might be red or bleary, their pupils dilated and their eyelids 
droopy. Their skin is sometimes sweaty and their breathing and heart rate 
rapid.

Behavioral problems can include paranoia, aggressiveness, anxiety, 
confusion, agitation and a loss of alertness. Speech can be slurred, or the 
person unusually talkative.

Short-term memory may also be affected.

Garner cautioned against jumping to conclusions, however. She said symptoms 
can be the result of something else, such as illness. "You must focus on 
the job performance, not so much the signs and symptoms."

Workers with drug abuse issues often deny that a problem exists. And their 
co-workers and even their supervisors may back them up, said Garner, 
explaining that these people may want to protect the drug user, preserve a 
working relationship, have similar problems themselves or simply assume the 
matter will resolve itself.

When dealing with employees suspected of using drugs, Garner said it's 
important to be well prepared before confronting them. This includes having 
documentation of poor job performance and behavioral problems.

"Don't lose your temper, don't let the person paint over the conversation, 
don't argue - just make sure you have all of your ducks in a row and all of 
your documentation."

If you decide to send an employee for drug testing, arrange for someone to 
accompany them to the lab, stay with them and bring them back.

Employees who appear to be under the influence of drugs should be removed 
from the workplace and not permitted to drive.

"Take them home and suspend them until you decide what you're going to do," 
said Garner.

Actions could include mandatory attendance at a treatment centre or 
enrolment in an employee assistance program. Thereafter, she said, the 
employer should follow up to ensure the required actions were taken and 
monitor the worker's job performance.
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MAP posted-by: Beth