Why Should a Workplace Look at Substance Abuse Issues?

In This Issue:

Project Health Update
Quick Fact: Why should a workplace look at substance abuse issues?
Resources
Mark your Calendars - Upcoming Events

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Project Health Update

Region of Waterloo Public Health launched its workplace initiative entitled Project Health: Supporting Healthy Workplaces on Thursday April 12, 2007. Fifty-two (52) workplaces attended this very successful event that gave an overview of the menu of services being offered.

There are two upcoming events planned in June:

(1) Thursday June 7, 2007 12 – 2 p.m. Alcohol in the Workplace: Legal Risks and Common Sense Strategies

(2) Tuesday June 12, 2007 12 – 2 p.m. Walk This Way – a program that is designed with workplaces in mind, that will assist employees of all ages in beginning and adhering to a walking program.

If you are interested in either of these events, please contact Gretchen Sangster at sgretch@region.waterloo.on.ca or call the Project Health phone line at 519-883-2287

This e-bulletin is reflective of our Networking session topic “Alcohol in the Workplace”. You will find a wealth of resources on the topics of substance abuse from background papers, research and information on policy development.

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Quick Fact

Why should a workplace look at substance abuse issues?

The fact that some people use substances such as alcohol or illicit drugs, or that some people misuse prescription drugs is not new. The awareness that the abuse of substances may affect the workplace just as the workplace may affect substance abuse is, however, increasing in acceptance. Many aspects of the workplace today require alertness, and accurate and quick reflexes. An impairment to these functions can cause serious accidents, and interfere with the accuracy and efficiency of work. Other ways that substance abuse can cause problems at work include:

• after-effects of substance use (hangover, withdrawal) affecting job performance
• absenteeism, illness, and/or reduced productivity
• preoccupation with obtaining and using substances while at work, interfering with attention and concentration
• illegal activities at work including selling illicit drugs to other employees,
• psychological or stress-related effects due to substance abuse by a family member, friend or co-worker that affects another person's job performance.
• alcohol use during pregnancy can cause permanent birth defects and brain damage in children

(Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)

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Resources

Alberta Federation of Labour � Position Statement � Drugs and Alcohol in the Workplace
A position paper by the Alberta Federation of Labour that includes priorities when creating a workplace policy on drugs and alcohol.

The limits of liability � Alcohol in the workplace
Comments on the case of Jacobsen v. Nike Canada Ltd., in which the British Columbia Supreme Court broke new ground in holding that an employer who supplies alcohol to its employees owes a greater duty than a host owes to invited guests.

Alcohol Policy Network � Healthy Policies for Healthy Communities � Workplace page
An information pack that provides relevant statistics, research papers, and background information, as well as prevention programs for Alcohol in the Workplace.

Alcohol Policy Network � Alcohol Policy 101
This link offers a comprehensive overview of the rationale and context of alcohol policy and its links with statutes, local policies, and legislation at both levels of government.

Policy, the Key to a Healthy Workplace � A Guide to Making Your Organization Healthier
Many workplaces have implemented polices that relate to environmental safety and employee health, but gaps exist related to policies that address alcohol and other drug use, communicable disease or promotion of healthy eating and physical activity. This 74 page document from the Simcoe County Workplace Wellness Network will assist in the development of policies in all these areas.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety � Substance Abuse in the Workplace
This document discusses issues such as how substance abuse problems may affect the workplace, possible costs to a business, and how a business can address such issues. There is also a section on elements that should be included in a substance abuse policy.

Fetal Alcohol Disorders Society
This website includes links to paper, powerpoint and videos presentations on the topic of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). There is also a comprehensive search page to answer your FASD questions.

Public Health Agency of Canada�s Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder website
The Public Health Agency of Canada has developed this site to provide basic information on FASD and to let the public know what they are doing about FASD. This site also contains up-to-date news on FASD, as well as links to important resources.

Alcohol Free Pregnancies
Best Start and the Ontario Prevention Clearinghouse provide basic information about having an alcohol-free pregnancy. It also answers frequently asked questions about the topic and provides information on where to go for help.

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Mark Your Calendars – Upcoming Events

SummerActive 2007 – May 11 to June 21, 2007
A national campaign designed to help Canadians improve their health by encouraging and supporting their first steps towards regular physical activity, healthy eating and living tobacco-free.

Stroke Awareness Month – June 2007

Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life – June 1 to 22, 2007.

Canadian Environment Week – June 3 to 9, 2007

World Population Day – July 11, 2007

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Awareness Day – September 9, 2007

Terry Fox Run – September 16, 2007

Mental Illness Awareness Week – September 30 to October 6, 2007.

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Related Conferences

39th Annual Addictions Conference –June 11 to 13, 2007 in Mississauga, Ontario
Conference highlights include a special panel on the Crystal Meth crisis, auricular acupuncture demonstrations, and a 2-day stream for counsellors working in gambling prevention and treatment and dynamic workshops for every aspect of the addiction field.

2nd Annual CCSA National Conference –November 25 to 28, 2007 in Edmonton, Alberta
CIssues of Substance 2007 is Canada's national conference on alcohol, drugs and other substances.

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Information

Check the Together4Health website for more information.