Substance Abuse in the Workplace: 4 Essential Elements to Stop It From Happening

The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires businesses in the transportation industry to ensure that personnel authorized to supervise drivers undergo training on alcohol misuse and controlled substances use. The training covers all factors which may indicate possible substance abuse, i.e., physical, behavioral, speech, and performance factors. Why so?

Substance abuse is a worldwide phenomenon that costs lives. In American society, drug addiction and abuse cost the U.S. “$740 billion annually in lost workplace productivity, healthcare expenses, and crime-related costs,” according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse's (NIDA) 2017 “Trend & Statistics” report.

The problem is complex and requires a multi-pronged approach to be resolved and prevented. This is why industry-specific programs such as the DOT Supervisor Compliance Training Online course, exist.

For employers, nipping the incidence of substance abuse in the bud is essential. Companies bear the brunt of the financial costs of workplace substance abuse in the form of:

• Safety risks
• Healthcare costs
• Low productivity
• Absenteeism
• Compensation and disability claims

In the transportation industry, human resources managers and training experts can benefit immensely from DOT supervisor compliance training online. Aside from it being a compliance requirement, it hones the trainee's skills for identifying possible substance abuse among drivers and recommending the appropriate course of action.

How to stop it from happening

In your unique role as HR manager or training expert, the DOT Supervisor Compliance Training Online program is a valuable resource for addressing the issue of substance abuse among drivers.

To guide you in your objectives of resolving and preventing the recurrence of substance abuse, here’s a list of essential elements to stop it from happening:

1. Know what signs to look out for

There are several symptoms abusers are known to exhibit at work. The following are the most common possible signs:

• Unexplained change in attendance and job performance
• Drastic personality changes such as anxiety and mood swings
• Frequent and prolonged bathroom use
• Sudden lack of responsibility, and difficulty performing ordinary tasks
• Deteriorating workplace relations

2. HR intervention and corrective action

Substance abuse is a sensitive matter and must be handled with compassion and professionalism. If you have a reasonable basis for engaging in intervention or recommending a course of action (e.g., a drug test), it must be communicated diplomatically.

You must ensure you get to the heart of the matter, or the reason why substance abuse has become a problem. This way, you can recommend further steps to ensure the problem is resolved with no risk of recurrence.

3. Employee education

Over and above HR intervention, prevention is key.

You can discuss the effects of substance abuse with personnel, especially drivers. Focus on how it can threaten their relationships at work, their job security, the company itself, their co-workers, and their families. Talk about the risks irresponsible driving poses to civilians on the road, to property, and the drivers themselves.

Coupled with company support, developing awareness among employees will go a long way in preventing substance abuse in and out of the workplace.

4. Family and social support

Any substance abuse program will have limited impact without the active participation of family members and the required community support.

In individual cases, you will need to reach out to the concerned driver’s family, explain the situation, and get their support. To involve the community at large, you can spearhead information drives to assist and complement company-sponsored substance abuse programs. You can also partner with local government units in furthering the same.

For more information on the DOT Supervisor Compliance Training Online course and more specific ways to manage substance abuse among drivers, get in touch with us today.