Employee Assistance Program : Resources

Small Business Drug Free Workplace Programs

Recognizing that it is difficult for small businesses to institute DFWP programs, Congress passed the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-277, now codified at 15 U.S.C. § 654), which established the Paul D. Coverdell Drug-Free Workplace Program to help small business through qualified vendors funded by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Alliance Work Partners can help you.

If you are a small business, you are eligible for free and reduced fee services to help you establish DFWP. For more information, contact Laura LeVeque, lleveque@alliancewp.com.

Drug-free workplace policies and procedures	- free
Alcohol/Drug training	- free
Parenting training (How to keep kids drug-free)	- free
Supervisor training	- free
Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance	- free
Drug testing	- reduced cost
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)	- reduced cost

Drug-Free Workplace Program (DFWP): The Five Elements of a Complete Program

1. Written Policy The policy must include:

i. a clear statement of expectations for workplace behavior;
ii. prohibitions against reporting to work or working under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol;
iii. prohibitions against the use or possession of illegal drugs in the workplace; and
iv. a statement of the consequences for violating those expectations and prohibitions.

2. Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Training

The program requires at least two hours of training for each employee annually. The program must also include additional voluntary drug and alcohol abuse prevention training for employees who are parents.

3. Drug Testing

The program requires pre-employment or employee drug testing for illegal drugs. For employee testing, the analysis is to be conducted by a drug testing laboratory that is currently certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or which is approved by the College of American Pathologists for forensic drug testing. A Medical Review Officer must review each positive test result.

4. Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The program must provide access to an employee assistance program, including confidential assessment, referral, and short-term problem resolution,

5. Continuing Education

The program must provide continuing alcohol and drug abuse prevention education.

If you are interested in a DFWP or would like more information, please contact Laura LeVeque, lleveque@alliancewp.com

70-80% of abusers are employed
Absenteeism rate: 6 times higher
1,000,000 serious accidents per year
50% of all positive post-accident drug tests
Worker’s Compensation claims: 5 times higher
Sick leave benefits: accessed 3-4 times more
35% less productive
25% use while on the job
25% steal from their employers

Economic costs for Texas

1989 - $ 12.6 Billion
1997 - $ 19.3 Billion (+53%)
$1000 Per man, woman & child
$ 8.1 Billion - Lost Productivity (42%)
11% Texans - Alcohol abusers
2% Texans - Drug Abusers