Substance abuse and addiction continue to take a toll on workplaces across the U.S., with nearly 11 million workers across America struggling with a substance use disorder. In addition to the cost burden inflicted on employers a list that includes lost productivity, increased health insurance claims, high turnover and workplace theft — the use and misuse of alcohol and drugs can significantly impact workplace safety.
According to the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI), employees who misuse drugs and alcohol are more likely to injure themselves or someone else, relative to those without current or past substance use. This claim is substantiated by the U.S. Department of Labor, which reports that drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace is responsible for 65 percent of on-the-job accidents.
