Creating a safe and productive work environment is essential for any company. When an employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it poses serious risks, not just to their own safety, but also to their coworkers, customers, and the overall workplace. Recognizing the signs of impairment and knowing how to respond is a crucial part of a safe workplace.
This article provides an in-depth look at when drug and alcohol testing is necessary, how to identify signs of drug abuse at work and the best practices for handling these situations.
The Risks of Employees Working Under the Influence
Impaired employees can have many negative effects on a company. They’re prone to accidents, errors, and poor decision-making. In industries that involve operating heavy machinery, driving, or working with hazardous materials, even a slight impairment can result in catastrophic consequences. Beyond safety, an employee’s ability to perform their job effectively is compromised, leading to lower productivity, missed deadlines, and costly mistakes.
Legal liability is another significant risk for employers. If an impaired employee causes harm to themselves, a colleague, or a customer, the company could face legal action, financial penalties, and reputational damage.
Certain industries, such as transportation and healthcare, have strict regulations on drug and alcohol use, and failing to comply with these guidelines can result in fines or loss of licensure. When employees suspect that a colleague is under the influence of drugs at work, it can lead to workplace tensions, reduced morale, and a decline in trust among team members.
There are many risks of employees working under the influence, so it’s important to be vigilant and know the signs and the appropriate steps to take when you suspect an employee may be impaired.
Recognizing the Signs of Impairment at Work
Identifying an impaired employee is not always easy. People react differently to substances, and it’s common for people to attempt to conceal their impairment. However, there are certain behavioural, physical, and performance-related indicators that may suggest substance use.
1. Physical symptoms
One of the most noticeable signs of impairment is physical symptoms. An employee under the influence may exhibit slurred speech, difficulty articulating thoughts, or an inability to form coherent sentences. Their motor skills may be affected, making them uncoordinated or unsteady on their feet. In some cases, they may struggle with balance or appear unusually clumsy. Their eyes may provide clues as well: bloodshot, glassy, or dilated pupils can indicate recent substance use. Excessive sweating, tremors, or an unusual odor, such as the smell of alcohol or marijuana, are also things to look for.
2. Erratic behaviour
Be on the lookout for behaviour which can also indicate an employee is impaired. Look out for sudden mood swings such as extreme irritability, aggression, or euphoria, especially if these behaviours are out of character for your employee. Some employees may display excessive drowsiness. Others may appear unusually paranoid, anxious, or detached from their surroundings.
Employees who are under the influence often struggle with concentration, leading to mistakes, missed deadlines, and an overall drop in productivity. They may have trouble following instructions, appear confused about their responsibilities, or require repeated explanations for simple tasks.
3. Poor work performance
Frequent absences, arriving late, leaving early, or taking excessive breaks may also point to substance use. Coworkers may begin to notice and report unusual behaviour, such as slurred speech during phone calls or difficulty completing routine tasks.
4. Drug paraphernalia
Another warning sign is the possession of drug or alcohol paraphernalia. If an employee is found with alcohol bottles, drug containers, or paraphernalia such as rolling papers or pill bottles without a prescription, it may indicate substance use.
Some employees may take frequent trips to their vehicle, restroom, or secluded areas, to use substances in secret. In an attempt to mask substance use, they may use excessive breath mints, eye drops, or heavy cologne.
5. Workplace incidents
Finally, workplace incidents and conflicts can be red flags. If an employee is involved in an accident or near-miss that appears preventable, it may warrant further investigation. Increased reports of conflict, such as arguments with colleagues, insubordination, or erratic decision-making, can also suggest impairment. If an employee seems to have trouble recalling conversations, events, or instructions, it could indicate memory impairment from substance use.
What Should You Do If You Suspect an Employee Is Impaired
When you suspect an employee is under the influence, it’s important to follow workplace policies and procedures. Make sure that company guidelines clearly define the expectations regarding drug and alcohol use. Familiarize yourself with your company’s drug and alcohol policies and ensure that they align with industry regulations and best practices.
Proper training for supervisors is a crucial part of preventing workplace impairment. Invest in reasonable suspicion training courses to help managers identify impairment and respond appropriately.
CannAmm offers courses such as the Supervisor Drug & Alcohol Awareness Training (Non-DOT) and the Supervisor Drug & Alcohol Awareness Training (DOT) to arm you with the resources and tools to handle impairment situations.
If reasonable suspicion exists, the next step is to conduct reasonable cause drug and alcohol testing. This process should be handled in accordance with company policy and applicable laws. Learn more about the reasonable cause testing process here.
Documentation is a critical aspect of handling cases of suspected employees under the influence at work. Supervisors should maintain detailed records of the employee’s behaviour, physical symptoms, and performance concerns. Without proper documentation, accusations of impairment may be difficult to prove.
While disciplinary measures may sometimes be necessary, offering support is often the first and most effective step employers can take to help employees address challenges and succeed. This can include offering support through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or referring employees to treatment resources. Show your employees that you care about them and keep the workplace safe for everyone.
Establish Strong Policies
A well-defined drug and alcohol policy is the foundation of workplace safety. Employers should ensure that policies clearly outline acceptable and unacceptable behaviours, the process for reasonable cause testing, and the consequences for being under the influence at work. Regular policy reviews can help ensure that guidelines remain up to date with industry standards and legal requirements.
If you need to review or update your policies, check out our Policy Review Services.
Take Action
Creating a safe and compliant workplace requires education, preparation, and a clear plan of action. By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure workplace safety while providing employees with the resources they need to succeed.
Need help getting started? Contact CannAmm for a free consultation at 800.440.0023 or check out our online courses.
