Why Should You Be Concerned?

77% of drug abusers are employed (JSI Research and Training Institute).

Substance abusers are absent 30 – 35 days per year and are three times more likely than non-users to be late for work.
(US Chamber of Commerce)

Substance abusers are three to four times more likely to have an accident on the job and five times more likely to file a workers’ compensation claim.
(Employee Assistance Society of North America)

Substance abusers are 33-50% less productive.
(National Institute on Drug Abuse)

21% of workers report being injured or put in danger, having to re-do work or cover for another employee, or needing to work harder due to others’ drinking.
(JSI Research and Training Institute)

megaphoneA drug-free workplace can:

  • Reduce operational and medical costs.
  • Protect loyal and law abiding employees.
  • Improve products and services.
  • Increase employee morale.
  • Increase profits.
  • Help people lead healthier lives.
  • Result in better service to customers and clients.
  • Decrease absenteeism, accidents, downtime, turnover and theft.
  • Reduce the number of drug users, abusers, and addicts who apply for employment, as they seek out businesses that do not drug test or have drug-free workplace policies.

What Can You Do?

Establish a drug-free workplace education program.

Drug-free workplace education programs are designed to assist employers as they work to create a healthier, safer environment for their employees and to address substance abuse in the workplace.

There are a variety of programs that can assist employers in establishing drug-free workplace policies, and also provide education and training to employees and those in supervisory roles.

Access our education kit, policy templates, prevention ideas, and more below.

“Creating a Drug-Free Workplace” was developed by Iowans for Iowans, with Human Resource Professionals, managers, and business owners in mind. The curriculum contains everything needed to implement a comprehensive program in both large and small businesses, including Employee Education and Supervisor Training modules.

Purpose

The Creating a Drug-Free Workplace Education Program provides information and guidance as well as actual education and training modules for implementing a drug-free workplace program in companies of all sizes. Its “how-to” focus is geared to the company that has already recognized the need for a program and now wants specific ideas and strategies for implementing one in a cost-effective manner.

Program Design

The primary goal of the Creating a Drug-Free Workplace Education Program is to communicate information to a wide range of viewers that should create a strong and positive response to the creation and maintenance of a drug-free workplace. The educational program utilizes interactive courseware to deliver the materials to employers in Iowa including:

  • facilitated training sessions augmented by video segments,
  • case studies,
  • testimonials,
  • “actions to use,”
  • reinforcing printed materials, and
  • “what if” scenarios.

Also provided are self-directed videos containing all of the material covered in the employee education and supervisor training modules which can be used at any time.

Training Modules

There are two training modules. One for general employees and one for supervisors, or anyone in a leadership role. Provided with each module are all the facilitator notes, agendas, handouts and other materials needed to complete the program.

In total, each module takes about 3 hours to complete, however additional agendas have been provided to meet the needs of a business that only has one hour or ninety minutes set aside for training. This means that the facilitator doesn’t have to take extra time to develop an alternative agenda.

The two hour agenda for the supervisor module meets the training requirement of Iowa Code Section 730.5.

Employee Module

The employee education module is designed to increase awareness of alcohol and other drug abuse and encourage employees to assist in maintaining a drug-free workplace. It includes information on who becomes and addict, drugs that are abused, signs and symptoms of substance abuse, and communicating concerns.

Download each Employee video below or view all videos on the Employee Module Page.

Supervisor Module

The supervisor training is designed to ensure that those in leadership positions understand and can fulfill their role in creating and maintaining a drug-free workplace. The session includes an overview of a Four-Step Intervention Model, which includes documenting performance issues, identifying troubled employees, addressing concerns, and referring an employee to assistance.

It also includes time for a review of the company drug-free workplace/drug-testing policy.

Download each Supervisor video below or view all videos on the Supervisor Module Page.

To get started, download our “How to Create a Drug-Free Workplace” kit. Then view the included training videos, both for employees and supervisors.

Private Sector Drug and Alcohol Testing in Iowa

If You Can’t Do It All, Do Something
Even the smallest organization with minimal resources can support a drug-free workplace. For example, even if you can’t offer insurance coverage for treatment, you can help your employees and save hiring and training costs by assuring continued employment if they successfully seek treatment on their own and helping them find local treatment resources. Or you can implement the program in phases – starting with a policy, supervisor training and employee education, then adding other components at a later time.