This paper examines the reasons to create and implement a Drug-Free Workplace Policy (DFWP) for the City of Newark, Ohio. The statistics of substance abuse are examined against the problems that it generates. A six step process to implement the policy is deliberated with the costs associated with the execution of the program. A timeline is also presented for the six step process to keep the program on track for an effective implementation process.
A Drug-Free Workplace Policy (DFWP) is required by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 for some Federal contractors and all Federal grantees who receive contracts or grants from a federal agency (DOL, 2015). The reason for the legislation was because Americans consumed 60% of all illicit drugs in …show more content…
The national cost of substance abuse to businesses in America is considered over 200 Billion dollars.
The reality of substance abuse is that anyone of any age or ethnic origin could be a substance abuser (Fay, 2000). John Fay (2000) also disclosed that substance abusers start experimenting with drug use and then advance to a purposeful stage where drugs are used for social purposes. The next stage is the abusive use of drugs and then to the final stage of addiction. Substance abuse often spills over into an individuals’ work and family life (Fay, 2000).
The City of Newark, Ohio has 218 employees that are managers, supervisors, and union members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). The alarming statistics that 16% of the workforce show that 35 individuals might be at risk. In the past, the City has had employees that were so intoxicated that they urinated on themselves during working hours. They also had employees that brought alcohol to work. Likewise, they had individuals that drank during their lunch hour. Additionally, employees have been suspected of smoking marijuana on City property during the evening shifts. These incidents occurred because supervisors did not want to get involved and were not aware of their responsibilities of the current drug-free workplace policy. For these reasons a revised drug-free workplace policy is being recommended and to be properly implemented in the City of Newark, …show more content…
The revised program should include a section that requires testing after every accident. Many city employees drive city cars that are in accidents, although individuals are not tested to see if substance abuse was a contributing factor. Accidents that lead to physical damage to individuals also need to be verified that substance abuse was not a factor. An acceptable testing scenario should also be used when there is reasonable cause to believe there is physical impairment from substance abuse. The reasonable suspicion procedures need to be developed in conjunction with AFSCME experts. All these recommendations are coming as a result of previous individual behavior that has been observed in the past.
The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 was enacted to help curb run-away costs. After an intensive review of the problem, the Department of Labor determined that a Drug-Free Workplace program that included a treatment and counseling section aids dramatically in reducing the effects of substance abuse. A study of the impact of substance abuse treatment in Ohio in combination with a Drug-Free Workplace Policy found the following improvements in job-related
A Drug-Free Workplace Policy (DFWP) is required by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 for some Federal contractors and all Federal grantees who receive contracts or grants from a federal agency (DOL, 2015). The reason for the legislation was because Americans consumed 60% of all illicit drugs in …show more content…
The national cost of substance abuse to businesses in America is considered over 200 Billion dollars.
The reality of substance abuse is that anyone of any age or ethnic origin could be a substance abuser (Fay, 2000). John Fay (2000) also disclosed that substance abusers start experimenting with drug use and then advance to a purposeful stage where drugs are used for social purposes. The next stage is the abusive use of drugs and then to the final stage of addiction. Substance abuse often spills over into an individuals’ work and family life (Fay, 2000).
The City of Newark, Ohio has 218 employees that are managers, supervisors, and union members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). The alarming statistics that 16% of the workforce show that 35 individuals might be at risk. In the past, the City has had employees that were so intoxicated that they urinated on themselves during working hours. They also had employees that brought alcohol to work. Likewise, they had individuals that drank during their lunch hour. Additionally, employees have been suspected of smoking marijuana on City property during the evening shifts. These incidents occurred because supervisors did not want to get involved and were not aware of their responsibilities of the current drug-free workplace policy. For these reasons a revised drug-free workplace policy is being recommended and to be properly implemented in the City of Newark, …show more content…
The revised program should include a section that requires testing after every accident. Many city employees drive city cars that are in accidents, although individuals are not tested to see if substance abuse was a contributing factor. Accidents that lead to physical damage to individuals also need to be verified that substance abuse was not a factor. An acceptable testing scenario should also be used when there is reasonable cause to believe there is physical impairment from substance abuse. The reasonable suspicion procedures need to be developed in conjunction with AFSCME experts. All these recommendations are coming as a result of previous individual behavior that has been observed in the past.
The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 was enacted to help curb run-away costs. After an intensive review of the problem, the Department of Labor determined that a Drug-Free Workplace program that included a treatment and counseling section aids dramatically in reducing the effects of substance abuse. A study of the impact of substance abuse treatment in Ohio in combination with a Drug-Free Workplace Policy found the following improvements in job-related