Masonry Magazine December 1998 Page. 21
Make clear that participation in an employee assistance program, if one is available, is confidential and will not jeopardize employment or advancement, but that participation will not protect employees from disciplinary action for continued unacceptable job performance or rule violations.
State your company's position on drug testing and the consequences of a positive test result.
Your company's substance abuse policy should take effect only after it has been thoroughly explained to all employees. You might have each employee acknowledge in writing that he or she has received a copy of the policy. The policy must be applied fairly and consistently to all employees.
The following is a sample policy on drug and alcohol abuse:
The policy begins with a statement of need that reads: (Company) has a strong commitment to the health, safety, and welfare of its employees, their families, and its customers. Widely available statistics and information establish that the incidence of drug and alcohol abuse is increasing and that the effect is devastating to lives, business, and the community at large. (Company) is concerned that due to the potential for abuse among some of our employees, the safety of our employees and the general public could be endangered. Our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure workplace requires a clear policy and supportive programs relating to the detection, treatment, and prevention of substance abuse by employees.
The next part includes a statement of the company's goal in establishing the policy: It is the goal of (company) to provide a safe workplace by eliminating the hazards to health and job safety created by alcohol and other drug abuse. We believe this goal to be in the best interest of our employees, our customers, and our stockholders.
The policy continues with statements regarding its scope: This policy applies to all employees of the Company while on the job and to situations where an employee's off-the-job or off-premises conduct impairs work performance or undermines the public confidence in, or harms the reputation of (company). It is also intended to apply to employees of firms doing business with the Company while on our premises.
Although the Company has no intention of intruding into the private lives of its employees, we recognize that involvement with alcohol or other drugs off the job eventually takes it toll on job performance. Our concern is to assure that employees report to work in condition to perform their duties safely and efficiently in the interest of their fellow workers and customers as well as themselves.
The next part introduces the policy statement:
1. The Company will not tolerate or condone substance abuse. It is the policy of (company) to maintain a workplace free from alcohol and other drug abuse and its effects.
2. It is the policy of (company) that employees who engage in the sale, use, possession, or transfer of illegal drugs or controlled substances, or who offer to buy or sell such substances; the use of alcohol during work hours; or the abuse of prescribed drugs will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
3. It is the policy of (company) to commit the resources necessary to achieve and maintain a drug- and alcohol-free environment. (Company) expects the full support of this policy by all employees and all persons doing business with the Company.
The next part deals with procedures:
To provide a safe drug- and alcohol-free working environment, the company will:
1. Establish definitive rules and regulations.
2. Provide increased awareness through training, education, and communication on the subject of alcohol and other drug abuse.
3. Recognize that there may be employees who have an alcohol or other drug problem and stand willing to assist in the resolution of that problem by encouraging employees to seek help through employee assistance programs.
In addition, the Company may take any or all of the following actions:
1. Conduct alcohol and other drug screening tests both prospective to and during employment.
2. Inspect persons and their property in our employ or doing business with the Company.
3. Cooperate with outside law enforcement agencies.
4. Take any other actions deemed necessary and appropriate by the Company.
The next portion of the policy addresses the company's responsibility:
As a responsible employer and member of the community, the company will:
1. Create an awareness in employees and their families of the impact of substance abuse.
2. Administer programs that consider employee rights, are positive in their intent, and are within legal boundaries.
3. Support the establishment of programs to assist employees with alcohol and other drug abuse or dependency problems.
4. Utilize all channels and resources available to it to educate and increase the awareness of employees and the general public.
5. Support local and national efforts
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MASONRY-NOVEMBER/DECEMBER, 1995 21