04/23/2012 Resources For Employers Of Addicts April 23, 2012 By: AddictionTreatment.org Knowing the specific laws of the state is the most important way for employers to protect themselves and help their employees recover from a substance abuse problem that impairs their ability to work. Staying informed using available resources is important; however, if you have concerns about a particular employee or workplace accident that has already occurred, contact a local attorney to discuss the matter and receive specific advice. Please Read This: Addiction In Idaho: Trends And Statistics United States Department of Labor: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) The OSHA website provides information on substance abuse in the workplace and offers resources, many that are specially tailored for small businesses. This list of questions can help employers draft a policy statement related to substance abuse in the workplace. The site also explains the details of the 1988 Drug-Free Workplace Act, including requirements, penalties for non-compliance, FAQs, and determining whether your workplace is affected by this act. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) This large government organization has a subdivision specifically devoted to substance problems in the workplace. Here, employers can find detailed information about drug-testing job applicants and employees, including a detailed list of certified laboratories by state to send samples to, acceptable reasons for initiating a test, ways to ensure employees do not cheat, guidelines for collecting specimens, cutoffs for concentrations of substances to be considered illegal, and many other topics. The Department of Transportation As a result of the 1991 Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act, any employer in a transportation-related business (ranging from airplane mechanics to Coast Guard employees) is required to test employees because the nature of their jobs could put others in grave danger if they were to perform their duties while intoxicated. This information can be found on the Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance's (ODAPC) website. Topics covered include how to handle medical marijuana, how to keep records about testing, approved devices for different types of screening, guidelines for reporting incidents and test results, and how to ensure the security of collection facilities. The website offers a number of forms for different situations. Posters, brochures, and videos are also available. You Might Like This: Sex For A High? Teens In British Columbia Trading For Drugs The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) A division of the United States Department of Labor, the JAN has a complete publication that answers questions about addiction, and how to handle situations of likely substance abuse on the job. For example, the document articulates situations in which an employer can legally refrain from offering a job to a person with a substance-abuse history. It also offers suggestions about how to help employees during a period of treatment, as well as how to recognize and reduce workplace stress and fatigue. Other Possible Resources for Employers of Alcoholics and Addicts National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University Addiction Resource Guide (includes information on treatment facilities) American Society of Addiction Medicine Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Continue Reading This Article Get The Help You Need Emergency Intervention Rehab Support Learn About Your Addiction Alcohol Gambling Drugs Sex Get The Help You Need Intervention Rehab Support Emergency Learn About Your Addiction Alcohol Drugs Gambling Sex Recommended Articles history of drug use Heroin Use Throughout History addiction Withdrawal And Detox: Get The Facts drugs Getting Burned By Meth: The Shake And Bake Method Who Becomes An Addict? Illegal Marijuana Gardens On Public Lands Tags: Comments Read These Articles Next: Rational Recovery Resources For Parents Of Adult And Minor Addicts Privacy Policy Psychedelics For Treating Addiction: Overview Of Ibogaine Substance Abuse Among Asian Americans Intervention Success Rates