Costs of Drugs on the Job – Picture This

What’s wrong in this picture? Using drugs impairs decision-making abilities as well as physically impairs people.

This is a deadly concoction when on the job. In fact, 10-20% of American workers who die at work have a positive result when tested for drugs or alcohol. A study by OSHA states that the most dangerous occupations, such as mining and construction, also have the highest rates of drug use by their employees.

Many employers are aware of how much mental illness can cost their business, but the potential cost of substance abuse is often overlooked, resulting in a shocking disparity between the help that employees need and the help they receive. Costs of drug abuse at work are estimated at $81 billion annually.

Prevention of such problems occurs by implementing an effective workplace drug program that deals with drug testing before hiring, drug testing during employment and consequences for violating the rules.