Bring Questions
In the workplace, it is common to test for alcohol and other drugs. This is done to foster a safe and healthy work environment for employees and customers, and to protect employers from potential liability exposure. What substances are employers testing for? The list could include some or all of the following:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Opioids
- Amphetamines and methamphetamines (stimulants)
The ability of managers and supervisors to recognize changes in job performance is critical to the safety of employees and an employer’s ability to hit production goals. Reasonable suspicion training is an important part of your drug-free workplace program. Let us help ensure you’re on the right track. Make plans now to join us on Thursday, Jan. 16, for a free online webinar:
John Counts, a retired Texas Department of Public Safety senior trooper, will discuss the top mistakes employers make when conducting workplace testing for alcohol and other drugs. John also will discuss the DOT Clearinghouse, a database you can use to track job candidates and help workers receive proper evaluation and treatment before operating a commercial vehicle.
If you have attended one of John’s presentations in the past, you’ll want to listen in again because he has lots of new information to share. Bring your questions so he can help guide you in making your work environment safe for everyone!
Merry and Bright
During the holiday season, roads are crowded, shoppers seek the perfect gifts and travelers set out to see relatives. Friends drive to and from work parties or festive gatherings. Delivery drivers drop packages on doorsteps.
It’s no wonder crash incidents involving distraction and impairment tend to spike during these periods.
While crashes can happen any time of the year, risks increase when driving conditions change, like they do during the holidays. Whether it’s heavy traffic, inclement weather or that aggressive driver pushing the limit, you have to stay alert – and sober – to enjoy all the season has to offer without incident.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports:
- 4,759 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes across the U.S. in December over a five-year period from 2018-2022. That’s more than 950 deaths every year.
- People ages 21-34 accounted for the highest percentage of drivers involved in fatal crashes in December 2022.
- Almost half of drivers (45%) involved in fatal crashes between midnight and 2:59 a.m. in December 2022 were drunk.
Share these tips in company communications or on your intranet to help keep your employees and their family members safe this season:
- Plan ahead: If you’re going out, plan ahead for a safe ride home. Appoint a designated driver, use a taxi or rideshare service
- Focus on the drive: Silence your phone, set your GPS and pick a holiday music playlist before you depart so you’re not distracted while behind the wheel
- Be weather-wise: Check weather conditions and store hours before you leave the office or your home
- Life is a journey, enjoy the ride: Slow down and allow more following distance when the roads are wet or slippery
- Rest up: Get enough sleep to avoid fatigue and drowsy driving
Stress and drowsiness can lead to impairment by disrupting brain function and memory, and impacting things like decision-making and concentration – all key ingredients in safe driving. How often have you seen drivers fail to use blinkers when changing lanes or fail to yield the right of way at intersections?
Get tools you can use to recognize and respond to impairment or promote mental health and wellbeing from the National Safety Council. Another way to take some of the stress out of the holidays is by continuing to prioritize safety through training and education:
- Sign up for Workplace Impairment Training. This free training can be delivered virtually or in-person. You’ll be guided through realistic scenarios and practice activities to help better equip you to recognize and respond to the many types of impairment.
NHTSA offers free resources to help with your traffic safety communication and outreach efforts:
‘Tis the season to be joyful. No one wants a crash to spoil the good tidings.