Beyond BAC: Tackling Multi-Substance Use
As an employer in Louisiana, it’s crucial to understand how Blood Alcohol Concentration levels contribute to impairment and the risks they pose to workplace safety, especially for employees who drive as part of their job. However, employers have more to worry about than just BAC levels. Multi-substance use, which involves the combination of alcohol and drugs, presents an even greater threat to workplace and road safety.
Understanding BAC
BAC measures the amount of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair driving abilities. In Louisiana, like most states, the legal BAC limit for drivers aged 21 and over is 0.08%. However, impairment begins with the first drink. Here’s how different BAC levels affect driving abilities:
- 02% BAC: Loss of judgment, decline in visual functions and increased distractibility
- 05% BAC: Reduced coordination, ability to track moving objects and difficulty steering
- 08% BAC: Impaired muscle coordination, difficulty in detecting danger and reduced reaction times
- 10% BAC: Markedly slowed reaction time, difficulty staying in lane and braking
- 15% BAC: Serious difficulty controlling the vehicle and focusing on driving tasks
BAC can vary significantly among individuals due to factors including sex, body composition, food intake and drinking patterns. Understanding these factors is essential for employers to help educate their workforce about the risks of alcohol consumption and impairment, particularly in safety-sensitive environments.
The Enhanced Risk of Multi-Substance Use
While BAC levels provide a measure of alcohol impairment, use of a combination of substances like alcohol and cannabis or prescription medications exponentially increases the impairment risk. According to the National Safety Council, combining substances can lead to significantly reduced cognitive and motor functions, resulting in heightened crash risks.
Moreover, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns that many prescription and over-the-counter medications can impair driving by causing drowsiness, dizziness, or other side effects that affect cognitive and motor skills. These effects are further amplified when combined with alcohol. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 13.5 million people aged 16 or older drove under the influence of alcohol in 2021 and 11.7 million drove under the influence of selected illicit drugs, including marijuana.
Alarming Statistics and Data
U.S. data shows that 70% (about 13.6 million workers) of all adults with an alcohol or illicit drug use disorder are employed, making the workplace an important setting to address substance use disorders. This widespread availability increases the potential for employees to misuse medications and other substances, posing significant safety risks.
In Louisiana, where alcohol consumption is high and cannabis use is growing, the dangers of multi-substance impairment are particularly acute. Employers must recognize that even legal substances when combined can severely impact employee performance and safety.
Employer Solutions to Address Impairment
To mitigate the risks associated with impaired driving and multi-substance use, employers can take several proactive measures:
- Implement Comprehensive Substance Use Policies: Establish and enforce clear policies regarding the use of alcohol, prescription medications and other substances. Ensure employees understand these policies and the consequences of non-compliance. Use the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Corporation sample drug-free workplace policy.
- Educate and Train Employees: Provide regular training on the dangers of both BAC and multi-substance use and their impact on safety. Utilize resources such as the Our Driving Concern Impaired Driving Micro-Learning Polydrug course or the Drug Interaction Checker from Drugs.com.
- Regular Screenings and Assessments: Implement random alcohol and drug testing for employees in safety-sensitive positions to deter impaired behavior and ensure compliance with safety standards. Here are more reasons to drug test.
- Promote a Supportive Environment: Encourage employees to seek help for substance use issues without fear of retribution. Offer support programs, including employee assistance programs, that provide counseling and rehabilitation services.
- Leverage Technology and Tools: Use tools like the NSC Substance Use Employer Cost Calculator and the BAC Virtual Bar from responsibility.org to help employees understand the impact of substance use and make informed decisions.
- Engage in Community Awareness Campaigns: Partner with local organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving and participate in community campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of multi-substance use.
By extending your efforts beyond just monitoring BAC levels to comprehensively address the risks associated with multi-substance use, you can ensure a safer and healthier workplace and community. This proactive approach will help reduce the risk of injuries and improve overall safety.