What can you do about drug abuse?

By Roger Myers Corp. Security/Safety Director Dixieline Lumber San Diego, Ca.

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"T, a well known home center read i'hese words in his morning paper, he realized why he had been having problems with a young clerk in the paint department. Why other workers complained of the man's abrasive personality. Why he had worked so energetically one day and failed to show up the next. His mood swings, uneven temperament and unpredictable w,crk habits were now clear.

Chemical substance abuse is America's Number One health problem. The deaths, disabilities and diseases stemming from alcohol, heroin, cocaine, marijuana, tranquilizers, sedatives and barbituates far exceed the mortality and morbidity rate of any other disease in the United Statesand it is a disease.

How does chemical substance abuse affect the workplace? The National Institute on drug abuse estimates that in 1982, six million workers abused, not just used, drugs on a regular basis. This represents an estimated cost to the American economy of $80 billion in losses including lost productivity, absenteeism, poor quality control, injuries, ineffective supervision, destruction ofproperty and theft.

The characteristics to identifu alcohol abusers have been known for some time. The Monday-morning hangovers and associated absences, the blood-shot watery eyes, fatigue, and the identifiable alcohol odor are relatively easy to spot. With the advent of the newer substances norv being abused, the identifiable characteristics are varied, often times being a total mystery. Users of certain substances may be extremely energetic, alert, talkative and restless one minute, and very depressed and silent another. There may be daily or hourly mood changes, or unexplainable belligerent behavior at erratic times. Many of the abused chemicals will give such a feeling ofwell-being, energy and omnipotence that users will forego sleep as they take the drug throughout the weekend. They will try to continue to take the drug on the job, but when they come crashing down, they are so exhausted and depressed they often are unable to show up for work or perform their jobs safely and properly.

The typical abuser is between the ages of 18 and 40. He comes from any socio economic background, and may be found at any level within a given company, whether a small business or large corporation. The follorving conditions are usually found as a result of chemical abuse:

(l) Three times more likely to be involved in an accident.

(2) Two times as many absences, frequently lasting eight days or longer.

Story at a Glance

Undiagnosed employee drug abuse costs this industry millions of dollars each year...what signs to look for...how you can help prcvent drug abuse at your place of work...gloups that trcat identified usens.

(5) Will be seven times as likely to be the target of garnishment proceedings.

(6) Functions at about 65% ofhis or her work potential.

In a recent 140 page report, the Bureau of National Affairs, Inc. reported that chemical abuse on the job is receiving unprecedented attention from all sectors of the business community, but solutions to the multibillion-dollar problem are proving to be elusive and loaded with controversy. Surveys show that the percentage of Fornrne 500 Companies screening employees or job applicants for chemical use rose from 3% in 1982 to almost 30% in 1985.

(3) Receives three times the level of sick benefits.

(4) Is five times more likely to file a worker's compensation claim.

The effects of chemical substances abuse in the workplace are substantial. The source oflosses to be sustained have already been discussed. How to prevent those losses and to provide a safe and healthy company is no easy task. It should be noted that there are those who stopped reading this article in the first paragraph, and there are those who are saying "I don't have a problem in my business." These will be the statistics of tomorrow because there are few businesses ofany size that do not have a potential chemical

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Drug Abuse Costs

(Continued from previous page) abuse problem. Companies realizing the problem and wanting to take an aggressive stance need to take several initial steps.

The most important action will be the development of a written company poliry on chemical abuse. It need not be lengthy or intricate, but it must be clear and definitive. There are numerous sources available for assistance in preparing this document.

If drug testing is to be used, this must be stated in the policy, with punishment defined for refusal or positive results of the testing. Employees must read the policy and sign an acknowledgement of the company's position.

Once this is accomplished, there should be education and training for all employees in identification of symptoms and long term effects of abuse. Additional steps are needed to hnalize the company's plans to protect itself, but they are far too involved to cover in this writing.

A retailer may get help and additional information on drug abuse from a number of community sources including legal counselors. Many health care facilities operate drug related rehabilitation programs as do professional organizations. Local federal drug enforcement offices and industry associations also can be contacted for help. Numerous asset protection and contract security companies also deal with drug abuse problems.

Chemical abuse is a reality in today's society and a problem for businesses nationwide. As a result of this trend, many programs have been developed to assist business owners in alleviating this evergrowing drain of their assets.

Mountain States Convention

Mountain States Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association will hold its 95th anniversary convention at the Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado Springs, Co., Nov. 6:7.

Frank Denny, president of Builders Square, will speak on "Grorvth: Is Effect On Systems Management." Jerry Attridge, a retired executive from Manville Corp., will discuss "Selling Against Price Competition." Jim Pence, Pence & Associates, will explain "Rewarding for Results;" Morton Marcus, economist, Indiana University, "Meeting the Challenge of a Changing Economy," and

Kent McSparran, president, Denver Management Group, "Sales and Inventory: How To Maximize Profits."

A management tool and new product panorama will feature demonstrations by dealers of management tools and displays by suppliers of new products and services.

Hardwood Plywood Mfrs. Tour

A hardwood plywood and veneer mill study tour including the third Forestry and Woodworking Indonesia '86 is planned by the Hardwood Plywood Manufacturers Association for Oct. 19 to Nov. 13, following their annual fall meeting at the Marriott Biltmore in Santa Barbara, Ca., Oct. 14-17.

Hardwood Delegates Dialogue

World of Wood'87"Dialogue," an event which claims to allow participants to see the largest number of customers in the shortest period of time and in one location, will be a feature of the 1987 International Hardwood Products Association annual convention, March 3-8, 1987, in Tucson, Az.

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