Identifying Drug Abuse in the Workplace

Drug abuse and its impact within the workplace is quite significant. Not only is it a problem to the substance abuser, but it then also becomes your problem as there is an increase in the risk of accidents, productivity is decreased and it can also cost your business financially. These employees are working at a minimal capacity and increase the workload for other staff. They can be a risk in the production process, comprising the quality of the product and even risking the company's reputation. Being able to identify whether someone is suffering from drug abuse is not always clear cut, but you can purchase drug testing kits that can help.

Clearly some who is addicted to heroin or cocaine suffers from drug abuse, as does someone who regularly uses marijuana. Drug abuse can also include those addicted to prescription drugs or pain killers. Basically it includes the use of any type of drug that threatens a persons mental or physical health, affects their behaviour and their relationships, and jeopardises their safety, or anyone else's, in the workplace. Drug abusers do not just have to be physically dependent on drugs, it can also include psychological dependency too.

Someone dependent on drugs does not have to be using them at work for them to have a negative effect. It has been shown that drug abusers are ten times more likely to be absent and they are almost four times more likely to be involved in accidents at work. They are also more of a risk when it comes to causing accidents. They are five times as likely to file for a workers compensation claim and are less productive. Operating any kind of machinery under the influence increases the risk of accidents and the threat of fatalities.

Signs of drug abuse can be difficult to identify but there are certain things you can watch for if you think a member of your staff is using drugs.

Frequently missing work

An employee who is missing from work often and with no explanation is worth keeping an eye on. It may not be something as serious as drug abuse but it could be some other problem that this employee may need help with.

Accidents

An employee who is involved in an unusually high number of accidents could be effected by drugs. All accidents and injuries should be documented, so keep track of the frequency of these types of mishaps and see if there is a pattern.

Erratic behaviour

The employee may be quite erratic in their work behaviour, being really productive one day but then for the next few days gets nothing done. If you keep a watch on it you may find a pattern beginning to emerge. They also may react badly to criticism or become uncharacteristically aggressive towards other staff members.

Physical signs

These should be the most obvious clues. If your employee is showing any physical signs, such as exhaustion, dilated pupils, slurred speech, they are unsteady on their feet or they are hyperactive, they just might be suffering from drug abuse.

What to do

If you suspect one of your employees is using drugs you need to address the problem. If you have someone on staff who is qualified to do this then put the necessary steps in place and have them approach the employee. If you don't have anyone on staff then it is best to contact a qualified professional who can address the problem further.