Tools and Tacticsfor Educating Employers on the

Advantages of a Drug-Free Workplace

Working Partners for an Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace Program

U.S. Department of Labor

DOL Approach

Encourage implementation of comprehensive drug-free workplace programs

• Address workplace substance abuse; not just illicit drug use

• Non-regulatory

• Protect rights of workers and employers

• Small business as primary target

• Incremental approach

Previous DOL Initiatives

• Publications and video training programs– Useful, but ineffective distribution

• Conferences, training sessions, workshops– Difficult to attract small business owners

• EAP Grant Program (3 year)– Large single employers succeeded; but EAP

consortia unable to become self-sufficient

Small Business Findings

• Recognize societal substance abuse problem -- but not in their workplace

• Not small BIG businesses

• Unsure of legal rights and obligations

• Oppose governmental regulation

• Wary of “programs”

• Look to trade associations for information

Small Business Basics

• Diversity of size, industry, management style

• Scarcity of time, energy, resources

• Disproportionate impact of troubled employees

• “Family” orientation

• Lack human resources or admin infrastructure

• Few offer adequate behavioral health benefits

• Need financial incentives & cost offsets

Working Partners Approach

• Industry-specific materials

• Small business success stories

• Focus on benefits

• Inform of liabilities, legal rights/obligations

• Partner with trade associations

• Engage small business champions

• Utilize Internet to disseminate information

DFW Program Components

• Policy and Procedures

• Employee Awareness and Education

• Supervisory Training

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Drug Testing

Special Concerns

• Parents as employees?– Consider providing information to help parents talk

to their children about drugs

• Young employees?– Household products can be abused as inhalants

Words of Caution

• Drug testing Drug-Free Workplace Program

• One size does not fit all

• Policy Procedures

• Accommodate incremental program implementation

• Join forces to promote DFWP and deliver services

Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace

www.dol.gov/dol/workingpartners.htm

• Small Business Initiative– Industry-specific materials

• Substance Abuse Information Database (SAID)– Repository of workplace resources

• Drug-Free Workplace Advisor– Interactive expert system

• Welfare to Work– Improving job training, placement and retention