November 1, 2004—The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently signed a new agreement with four international labor unions in a cooperative effort to improve worker health and safety by encouraging alcohol- and drug-free workplaces.
OSHA signed the agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers; the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America; the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Iron Workers; and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers.
The alliance will provide union members and the construction industry with information, guidance, and training resources that will communicate the benefits of drug-free workplace programs and better protect workers’ health and safety. The organizations will focus especially on educating workers on safety hazards created by the abuse of alcohol and other drugs in workplaces and mines.
The 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health showed that 77 percent of the nation’s adults who have alcohol or drug abuse or dependence problems are employed either full- or part-time. In addition, a 1998 Bureau of Labor Statistics analysis showed that as many as 20 percent of toxicology screens following workplace fatalities tested positive for drugs and/or alcohol. OSHA notes that industries with the highest rates of drug use are the same as those at a high risk for occupational injuries, such as construction, mining, manufacturing, and wholesale.
In addition to the alliance, OSHA has developed a safety and health topic page on Workplace Substance Abuse promoting a comprehensive drug-free workforce approach that includes five components: a policy, supervisor training, employee education, employee assistance, and drug testing. OSHA understands that many workers with substance abuse problems can be returned safely to the workplace provided they have access to appropriate treatment, continuing care, and supportive services.
