Pubdate: Thu, 10 Jan 2008
Source: Borneo Bulletin (Brunei)
Copyright: 2008 Brunei Press Sdn Bhd.
Contact:  http://www.brunei-online.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3514
Author: Liza Mohd
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education)

EXHIBITION FOR DRUG-FREE ENVIRONMENT IN THE WORKPLACE

To secure a drug-free  environment in the workplace, the Narcotics 
Control  Bureau (NCB) and a private company, Adinin Group of 
Companies, (AGC) have joined hands to educate the  public on the 
repercussions of drugs and alcohol abuse  in a two-day exhibition next week.

The collaboration kicked off yesterday morning with the  installation 
of 12 "striking" banners along Jalan  Tengah and in the vicinity of 
the OGDC entrance. The  banners show the dangers of consuming drugs, 
interesting facts and its impact on the health and  future of the abuser.

AGC Sales Engineer Aileen O Mar said the programme is  the first of 
its kind being organised by the company in  its commitment to be drug-free.

It involves AGC employees in the prevention of drugs  and alcohol 
abuse, and gaining a clear understanding of  its dangers.

The Jan 18-19 exhibition aims to ensure all employees  are free from 
drugs and alcohol abuse. It involves the  health and religious 
departments, offers a free health  check-up, talks and visits from students.

The Belait-based company's policy against drugs,  alcohol and illegal 
substance includes testing prior to  employment, and tests on 
employees assigned to a more  hazardous environment, said Ms Mar.

It carries out random testing, enforces disciplinary  measures on 
employees who test positive, and do close  monitoring on employees 
who have returned to work after  treatment for drugs, alcohol or 
illegal substance  abuse.

AGC's policy against drug and alcohol abuse adopts  disciplinary 
action guidelines for first to third  repeated offenders. They range 
from reminder,  intervention, counselling, to verbal warning that 
ultimately leads to suspension or dismissal.

With the close collaboration between the private  company and NCB, an 
employee who tests positive for  drugs will be handed over to the 
government agency for  further action.

At the programme, supervisors will be nominated to  attend training 
to identify drugs and alcohol abuse  through one's appearance, change 
of attitude and being  missing from work.

The joint cooperation with NCB involves random urine  testing and 
joint talks, family day and other  activities which lead to a healthy 
lifestyle of  employees and their families.

The AGC said through its Drugs and Alcohol Abuse  committee, it is 
dedicated to protect the health and  safety of its employees, and 
anyone with such problems  can come forward in confidence for advice and help.

The exhibition at the OGDC gallery will be from 9am to  4pm. AGC 
Managing Director Awg Musa bin Hj Adinin is  expected to inaugurate the event.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom