Dear reader,

Last week ended with the sad news of the death of Michael Jackson. One of the (inevitable) rumours that’s since emerged is his heart attack was the result of the pharmacopeia of drugs he was ingesting on a daily basis. He was apparently trying to prepare for his 50-concert comeback tour, and was using any means possible.

This is just another example that drugs on the job just don’t work! You have a legal obligation to stop any employee from entering or remaining at work if he appears to be under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs (General Safety Regulations 2A, intoxication, OHSA).

9 ways you’re driving your employees to drugs!

Sometimes though, it’s the very work your employee’s doing that’s the cause for his drug abuse. While a job may have certain characteristics doesn’t mean that your employee will begin to abuse substances. Various personal and social factors play a major role.

In general, however, some work-related factors can include:

1.    High stress
2.    Low job satisfaction
3.    Long hours or irregular shifts
4.    Fatigue
5.    Repetitious duties
6.    Periods of inactivity or boredom
7.    Isolation
8.    Remote or irregular supervision
9.    Easy access to substances

The best way to avoid substance abuse at your business is to create a drug-free workplace policy...

In the name of safety,

Christel Fouché
Editor-in-chief: Health and Safety Advisors Handbook