American Association of Occupational Health Nurses and American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine have collaborated to study workplace safety and health issues associated with worker impairment from drugs. The study will take place over the next several months and aims to address new concerns regarding medicinal marijuana use as well as the effects of other mind-altering substances.
Meanwhile, an article in EHS Today presents the following signs of employee drug problems that employers and safety professionals should watch for:
- Changes in job performance.
- Inconsistent work quality.
- Poor concentration and lack of focus.
- Lowered productivity or erratic work patterns.
- Increased absenteeism or on-the-job presenteeism.
- Unexplained disappearances from the jobsite.
- Carelessness, mistakes or errors in judgment.
- Needless risk taking.
- Disregard for safety of self and others.
- Extended lunch periods and early departures.
- Other workplace behavior changes.
- Frequent financial problems.
- Avoidance of friends and colleagues.
- Blaming others for one's own problems and shortcomings.
- Complaints about problems at home.
- Deterioration in personal appearance or personal hygiene.
- Complaints, excuses and time off for vaguely defined illnesses or family problems.