Workplace substance abuse being studied

Substance abuse among employees needs to be analyzed and addressed as it could have detrimental effects on both businesses and workers, says Research and Information Officer with the National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA) Dr Jonathan Yearwood.

Speaking during Wednesday’s launch of the NCSA’s Workplace Survey, which will explore the levels of substance abuse within the workforce, he said these cases cannot be ignored.

According to Yearwood, they can impact on the productivity of organizations and as well as the mental health of workers who are often affected by substance-abusing colleagues.

“If unable to work because of their problems with substance abuse, the exclusion of young adults from the workplace due to their drug addiction may represent significant loss of individual potential, financial loss to the workplace, and retarded growth to the economy,” Yearwood said, adding that widespread alcohol use can also lead to increased accidents and injuries, absenteeism and inappropriate behaviour.

“Employers have a duty under health and safety laws to protect as far as and as reasonable the health and safety and welfare of employees and others affected by their activities.”

Yearwood said the NCSA’s Workplace Survey will help frame policies related to substance abuse in the workplace.

“Findings from the survey will inform curricular development and training for public and private sector workers on drug-related health and safety issues in the workplace,” he said.

The survey will be conducted via an online portal. Data from departments under the Ministry of Home Affairs will be collected from January 10, 2022, through to January 31, 2022 while information from the private sector will be collected from July to October 2022.

Outside of research, the NCSA will also conduct training workshops in 2022, in hopes of improving the way substance abuse cases are handled in various sectors, as well as making workers aware of how to spot the tell-tale signs of substance abuse.

Yearwood said the NCSA will select participants primarily from administration and supervisory staff, in the public and private sector, who are familiar with existing drug policies, drug education, and substance abuse interventions in their respective workplaces.

The NCSA will also conduct two one-week training webinars per month.

“We will involve collaborations and partnerships with stakeholders who already have the expertise in dealing with drug use and substance abuse problems in the workplace, and already have frameworks such as drug testing and helping persons who have problems with substance abuse,” Yearwood explained.

Training is scheduled to last 15 months. (SB)