Transcript The Importance of Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Roofing Industry

The Importance of Drug
and Alcohol Testing in the
Roofing Industry
SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN THE
WORKPLACE
What problem costs the American
economy more than $100 billion every
year?
What problem causes employers to incur a
300 percent increase in medical costs and
benefits?
The answer is substance abuse in the
workplace
SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN THE
WORKPLACE
Research shows that substance abusers are:
5 times more likely to file a workers'
compensation claim.
2.5 times more likely to have lengthy absences
from work.
3 times more likely to be late for work.
Likely to use 2.5 times more medical benefits
One-third less productive.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN THE
WORKPLACE
According to the Labor Department, five million
of the country's estimated nine million employed
substance abusers work for small companies.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
reports that 68 percent of all illegal drug users
are employed either full- or part-time.
Large companies are implementing programs to
achieve drug-free workplaces, small firms are
not.
GENERAL DRUG ABUSE FACTS
The National Institute on Drug Abuse
(NIDA) estimates that one in every five
employees ages 18-25 and one in every
eight employees ages 26-34 uses drugs
on the job.
NIDA reports that 68 percent of all illegal
drug users are employed either full- or
part-time.
GENERAL ALCOHOL FACTS
The most abused drug in the U.S.
Alcohol related car crashed are the #1
killer of teens.
1 in 10 Americans report driving under the
influence.
CDC reports there are 13 million
alcoholics in the U.S.; 4 million are under
18 years old.
WORKPLACE SUBSTANCE
ABUSE FACTS
1 in 5 workers in the U.S. has a drug or alcohol problem
34%-50% of all workers comp claims are from or related
to substance abuse.
54% of workers 35-44 years old killed in unintentional
workplace incidents had positive presence of
drugs/alcohol
Up to 40% of industrial fatalities and 47% of industrial
injuries are linked to alcohol and alcoholism
More than 90% of alcoholics and 77% of drug addicts
are employed
Marijuana (Cannabis)
“Hallucinogen”
General Information
“weed, pot, grass, reefer, Mary Jane”.
Contains 421 different chemicals.
Stored in fat cells an active state up to 30
days.
Red, dilated, glassy eyes has a distinctive
odor.
Distorted sense of time, speed; slow
reactions.
Cocaine
“Stimulant”
General Information
“Coke, dust, snow, flake, blow.”
White/creamy granular powder derived from the
coca plant.
Cocaine HCL – “snorting or injected” effects felt
within minutes but lasts 40-50 minutes
Cocaine base – “crack, rock, free base” effects
within 7 seconds; 90% pure.
Increased motor activity, less coordination.
Increased heart, respiration rate.
Amphetamines
“Stimulant”
General Information.
“Speed”.
Pills or powder.
Methamphetamines “crank, crystal”
Creamy white or lumpy powder.
Oral, injected or snorted.
High psychological and physical dependency.
Impulsive and risk taking behaviors.
Weight loss.
Inability to concentrate.
Opiates
“Downers”
General Information
Narcotic that alleviates pain.
Natural derivatives – morphine, opium, codeine,
heroin,
Synthetic derivatives – Demerol, Percodan,
Percocet.
Pills, smoked, injected.
High tolerance; withdrawal can be deadly.
Physical fatigue, drowsiness.
Phencyclidine (PCP)
“Hallucinogen”
General Information.
“Angel dust, rocket fuel”.
Can be smoked, inhaled, swallowed, injected.
“Dusting” –PCP mixed with marijuana, tobacco.
Muscle rigidity, lack of coordination.
Dizziness, profuse sweating.
Unpredictable aggressive, bizarre behaviors.
Immunity from harm.
Alcohol
General Information.
At low levels, stimulant.
Overall, depressant –slows physical/mental
functioning.
Most commonly drug abused at work.
Not digested as food.
Peak effects reach brain within 20 minutes.
Kills brain cells and brain damage is permanent.
Alcohol
Physical Effects
Mouth/esophagus – irritant.
Stomach/intestines –ulcers, blocks.
Liver – inflames liver cells, cirrhosis,
jaundice.
Heart – inflammation of heart, increased
fat deposits.
Alcohol
.02-.05 Relaxation/loosening of inhibitions
.05-.10 Impaired vision, perception, judgment,
concentration.
.10-.20 Impaired hearing, balance and
coordination.
.20-.30 Blackouts.
.30-.40 Passing out.
.40-.50 Coma.
.55+ Death.
Signs and Symptoms of Substance
Abuse
Abuse of alcohol and other drugs affects
people.
Emotionally.
Behaviorally.
Physically.
Emotional effects of substance
abuse
Aggression.
Burnout.
Anxiety.
Depression.
Paranoia.
Denial.
Behavioral effects of substance abuse
Slow reaction time
Impaired coordination
Slowed or slurred speech
Irritability
Excessive talking
Inability to sit still
Limited attention span
Poor motivation or lack of energy
Physical effects of substance abuse
Weight loss.
Sweating.
Chills.
Smell of alcohol.
What can be done?
CLEAR AND DEFINED DRUG/ALCOHOLFREE WORKPLACE POLICY
The Drug-Free Workplace Policy
accomplishes two major things:
Sends a clear message that alcohol and
drug use in the workplace is prohibited
Encourages employees who have.
problems with alcohol and other drugs to
voluntarily seek help.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE TESTING
Pre-employment
screening.
Post-accident
screening.
Random screening for
current drivers.
Pre-qualification
screening for new
drivers.
Pre-qualification for
new supervisors.
Return-to-duty.
Reasonable cause.
Responsibilities
Supervisor Awareness Training.
Employee counseling.
Disciplinary Action.
Consistency.

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Too many supervisors feel different there are
different punishments for different people.
This is one of the greatest mistakes that can
be made as it enables the substance abuser
to continue.