Enhancing Workplace Safety: Evaluation of a Drug-Free Workplace Program

Substance abuse is associated with multiple negative workplace outcomes, including absenteeism, accidents, theft, turnover, disciplinary problems, and other sources of productivity loss. To address the problem of workplace alcohol use and the associated negative outcomes, drug-free workplace programs emphasizing drug prevention, education, testing, and intervention have been developed. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a drug-free workplace program in reducing negative workplace outcomes. Additionally, the effectiveness of supervisor and employee trainings was evaluated. Results indicated high employer satisfaction with the drug-free workplace program and the efficacy of the program components. Employers reported reductions in work-related problems, including absenteeism, accidents, vandalism/theft, violence, disciplinary problems, alcohol and drug related incidents, number of days lost due to injury, workers compensation claims, and insurance premiums. Employers also reported increases in employee retention and employee productivity. Additionally, supervisors and employees rated education trainings very positively and reported gains in knowledge about substance abuse, signs and symptoms of substance abuse, and tools available to decrease substance abuse in the workplace. Findings suggest that drug-free workplace programs can be effective in reducing negative workplace outcomes associated with employee alcohol and drug use.