Drug-Free Workplace

Substance abuse takes a heavy toll on American business. Drug use in the workplace costs employers approximately $81 billion each year in lost productivity (U.S. Department of Labor). Left unchecked, drug abuse can seriously compromise the integrity and stability of your workplace. A healthy, dedicated workforce is essential to keeping your business profitable. Identifying possible substance use in the work environment can potentially reduce employee injury, increase employee job satisfaction and improve overall morale, as well as protect your company by reducing your exposure to risk.  Child and Family Focus can help you meet all the necessary requirements to become a drug free workplace in the state of GA.

Consider these statistics:

• Nearly 7% of adults employed full-time and 9% of those employed part-time currently use illegal drugs (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA]).
• More than 70% of substance abusers hold some type of job (American Council of Drug Education). Slightly more than one-fourth (26%) of employed adults report that there has been substance abuse or addiction within their family and 42% of these workers report that they have been distracted or less productive at work because of it, according to a recent national telephone survey.
• Having their mind drift away from work tasks to thoughts of the problem was the most frequently reported work-related problem (89%), followed by missing a deadline or work/attendance suffering (57%) and errors in judgment (46%).
• The workers surveyed suggested several ways in which employers could help, such as implementing a drug free workplace program, offering counseling for family members of addicted individuals (73%), providing better health insurance coverage (67%) and providing a more flexible work schedule or time off work (65%).

About the program
The Georgia State Board of Workers' Compensation certifies employers as a drug-free workplace.  Those certified receive a 7.5% reduction of their workers' compensation premiums.  Employer must submit a copy of their certificate each year to their carrier in order to receive the discount.  (O.C.G.A. §33-9-40.2)   (O.C.G.A. §34-9-412)

Self-insured employers who qualify for the Drug-Free Workplace Program must attach a copy of their certificate to their Annual Payroll Report.  The calculated premium for that company will be reduced by 7.5%.  The reduced premium will reduce the amount the company is assessed.  (O.C.G.A. §34-9-412.1)

Certification fee for the Drug-Free Workplace Program has increased from $25.00 to $35.00.  (O.C.G.A. §34-9-421 )

What is a "Drug Free Workplace?"
It is an employment setting where all employees adhere to a program of policies and activities designed to provide a safe workplace, discourage alcohol and drug abuse and encourage treatment, recovery and the return to work of those employees with such abuse problems. The intent of the program is to educate adults on the problems relating to substance abuse. The one place where there can be mandated adult education is the workplace. This empowers the individual and the family, resulting in stronger communities.

Why Should An Employer Establish a Comprehensive Drug Free Workplace Program?
The Georgia State Board of Workers' Compensation certifies employers as a drug-free workplace.  Those certified receive a 7.5% reduction of their workers' compensation premiums.  Employer must submit a copy of their certificate each year to their carrier in order to receive the discount.

The effects of alcohol abuse are added, the result is a large impaired portion of the national workforce. For the typical employer, that means unhealthy employees, unsafe working conditions, loss of productivity, smaller profits, more accidents, higher medical claims expenses, and a host of other negative effects for the employer and the employees.

Small and medium-sized firms employ 80% of the U.S. workforce where drug testing policies & programs are not in place.  Absenteeism, increased healthcare costs and decreased productivity due to alcohol and other substance abuse costs your company $1,000 per employee per year!

You can minimize the chance of having to deal with a serious job performance problem in the workplace, and in the process support a better quality of life for your employees, by implementing a drug free workplace program in your company.  It will reinforce the message to your employees and customers that a positive work environment is a high priority.  The Council can provide you and your company with information and support to ensure your certification as a drug free workplace.

All aspects of society are harmed by illicit drug use; however, the American workplace is especially impacted.  Business owners lose an estimated $160 billion per year because of drug use.  Business owners can expect to pay thousands of dollars more per year to employ a worker who uses illicit drugs than to employ a worker who is drug free.

What Are the Components of a Comprehensive Drug Free Work Place Program?
The "Drug Free Workplace" is a more recent term and concept introduced by the Federal government's policy for its employees in 1986 and promulgated in the private sector by the President's Drug Advisory Council.  A comprehensive approach to having a drug free workplace would include:

-Written Policy - Access to assistance – Staff Education - Supervisor training - Drug testing

Once we start working with your company, we walk you through the steps necessary to qualify for the benefits of becoming a drug free workplace. After receiving the certification we can manage your companies random drug testing requirements with ease and low expense.

LET CHILD AND FAMILY FOCUS HELP YOU BECOME A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE!!!