Substance abuse in the workplace can seriously impair proper judgment and on-the-job performance. These substances are not limited to street drugs: the use of alcohol, prescription drugs, and even over-the-counter medications can affect decision-making abilities and motor skills. However, despite the danger, the use of alcohol and drugs is still very common in the workplace and considerably increases the risk of serious work-related accidents.
Drug and alcohol abuse can have a negative impact on the workplace
Not all people who use drugs or alcohol are substance abusers. Substance abuse develops when the use of drugs or alcohol becomes so crucial to a person that he puts important aspects of his life at risk to obtain the substance. Our local research has shown that a large majority of substance abusers are employed, and their drug or alcohol abuse has a negative impact in many areas of the workplace.
Decreased performance
Substance abusers tend to miss more work days than their sober counterparts and are also more likely to arrive late for work. They again exhibit decreased productivity in the workplace. Employees who abuse drugs or alcohol may show low motivation and a lack of attention to details. As a result, there is often deterioration in the quality of their work. Continued poor performance may also lead to decreased job satisfaction.
Impaired group efficiency
When one or more employees engage in substance abuse, the entire work group may suffer. Substance abuse can result in poor communication, increased level of stress and growing resentment among colleagues whose work load may increase as a result of the substance abuser’s poor productivity. Substance abusers may equally demonstrate anti-social behaviour and blame others for their problems.
Costs
Among the many negative consequences of substance abuse in the workplace is the significant financial burden that it places on employers. These are costs associated with absenteeism and decreased productivity as well as the increased worker’s compensation costs, increased rates for disability coverage and employee theft. Substance abusers also change jobs more frequently, and the cost of replacing employees adds to the financial burden.
Hazards
Substance abuse in the workplace increases the risk of injuries and hazards, especially in our factory. There are incidents where people cut their hands or even die at work. If actually investigated, it may be due to alcohol or drugs. Drugs or alcohol in the bloodstream can affect levels of concentration and reaction times. Other common effects of substance abuse include impairment in hearing, motor coordination, vision and alertness. Substance abuse in those who operate machinery can lead to accidents that may harm the substance abusers or their colleagues. Drugs aren’t cool, they make you act like a fool.
Say No To Substance Abuse.