FACTS
- Most workplace accidents caused by substance use are not as high profile but can significantly impact a company’s operations, health, and finances.
- Employees who abuse illicit substances are ten times more likely to miss work, negatively impacting not only themselves and their responsibilities but also jeopardizing others.
- Increased absenteeism can make a company vulnerable to gaps in safety measures even if the employee with the substance use disorder is not present due to increased responsibility or lack of experience for other workers.
- Problems Caused in the Workplace Due to Substance Abuse
- Sleeping on the job
- Hangover
- Poor decision making
- Loss of efficiency
- Theft
- Lower morale of co-workers
- Increased likelihood of having trouble with co-workers/supervisors or tasks
- Preoccupation with obtaining and using substances while at work, interfering with attention and concentration
- Illegal activities at work including selling illicit drugs to other employees.
- Higher turnover
- Training of new employees
- Disciplinary procedure
STATS
- According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace is a serious issue that can lead to accidents, injuries, and reduced productivity. Here are some statistics on drug abuse at the workplace in Canada:
- Approximately 10% of Canadian workers reported using alcohol or drugs before or during work, according to a study conducted by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
- The construction industry has one of the highest rates of drug use among Canadian workers, with 20% of construction workers reporting using drugs or alcohol while on the job.
- A survey conducted by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business found that 39% of small business owners reported experiencing problems related to employee substance abuse, including accidents and absenteeism.
- A study conducted by the Workers’ Compensation Board of British Columbia found that workers who tested positive for drugs or alcohol were 3.6 times more likely to be involved in a workplace accident than those who tested negative.