Center hosts Orientation on Drug and Alcohol testing

Bernie McCann of the Laborers' Health and Safety Fund of North America, conducted an orientation for local Business Managers and Reps to worksite drug and alcohol testing at the Laborers' Training Center in February.

Workplace substance abuse is a growing concern in all America's workplaces. More and more, employers are declaring their workplaces to be "drug-free" and are expecting workers to be "fit for duty" as a job requirement.

Employers are using workplace drug and alcohol testing more frequently to verify this requirement. The increase in testing on LIUNA jobsites follows nationwide trends in employment practices in many industries.

Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse indicates that workers employed in the construction industry are at increased risk for substance abuse.

A recently published report on drug abuse among US workers shows construction workers, handlers, helpers and laborers reported some of the highest rates of current illicit drug use.

In addition to preparing Business Managers, Reps and other union agents to understand worksite drug and alcohol testing, the training program expanded the notion of what it means to be competitive in today's construction industry. Laborers must be physically "fit for duty." They also must be mentally fit - which means being free from the influence of alcohol and any other drugs.

Basically, the orientation had five objectives:

• Understand the importance of LIUNA members to be physically and mentally fit when reporting to work.
• Be able to name the drugs that are commonly tested for on worksites, be aware of their negative effects, and their effect on the job.
• Understand the importance of familiarizing yourself with the testing policies on job sites.
• Understand what drug and alcohol testing is, what a positive drug test proves, and how to help members avoid positive results.
• Understand how to get information and assistance for members who may be experiencing difficulty with alcohol or drug abuse.

Recent research findings clearly indicate a special need to reach out with substance abuse education efforts to laborers and other workers in the construction industry. Providing workers with accurate, non-judgmental information on the health effects and safety hazards of worksite drug and alcohol abuse combine with discussions of drug testing technology and procedures is a first priority.

These efforts, when combined with clear employer policies and easily available treatment for workers experiencing difficulty with alcohol and illicit drugs, are proven strategies in a comprehensive approach to workplace substance abuse prevention.

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