Studies show that substance abusers miss work more often, use more sick leave, and arrive late more frequently than their coworkers. Substance abusers are more likely to injure themselves or others and file more workers compensation insurance claims.
It’s estimated that substance abusers cost employers twice as much in medical and workers compensation claims as their drug-free counterparts. And finally, substance abusers are considerably less productive than their drug-free co-workers.
Although Pennsylvania does not have a state law that regulates, requires, or prohibits drug testing or any drug-free workplace programs, companies that implement a drug-free workplace initiative can improve their bottom line, increase productivity, and develop healthier employees. A program may include supervisor training, employee education, drug testing, and/or an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
The cost of a drug-free workplace will vary depending on the size of your initiative, your response level, and available community, state, and federal resources. Costs may include policy development, employee education, management training, employee assistance, and drug testing.
However, a study of the economic impact of a drug-free workplace initiative in Ohio found significant improvements in job-related performance:
- A 91 percent decrease in absenteeism
- An 88 percent decrease in problems with supervisors
- A 93 percent decrease in mistakes in work
- A 97 percent decrease in on-the-job injuries
The cost of implementing a drug-free workplace program should be weighed against the cost of not implementing a program. For many small businesses, one serious accident or one troubled employee can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and jeopardize the future of that company.
Additional Resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention- http://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/implementation/topics/substance-abuse.html
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism - http://www.niaaa.nih.gov
National Institute on Drug Abuse – www.drugabuse.gov
For more information about controlling your workers’ compensation insurance costs, contact us at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848.