For immediate release: Oct. 19, 2009

Drug-Free Work Week Starts Today; Intended to Bring Focus on Workplace Safety

BWC Provides Drug and Alcohol Free Education Year-round

COLUMBUS – A cornerstone of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s (BWC) mission is to ensure the safety of Ohio’s work force. This commitment includes efforts toward helping employers establish and maintain workplaces free of drug and alcohol abuse. To bring greater focus to these daily efforts, we are recognizing Drug-Free Work Week from Oct. 19-25.

“It is widely recognized that drug-free workplace programs help protect employers and employees from the potentially devastating consequences of worker alcohol or drug abuse,” said BWC Administrator Marsha Ryan. “Establishing policies, educating about the dangers of alcohol and drug use, deterring and detecting use, and urging people to seek help for alcohol and drug problems are smart safety and business strategies.”

Drug-Free Work Week is intended to highlight the benefits that drug-free workplace programs bring to employers, workers and communities. Research from the U.S. Department of Labor shows that 75 percent of the nation’s illegal drug users are employed, with 3.1 percent admitting to using illegal drugs before or during work hours. In addition, 79 percent of the nation’s heavy alcohol users are employed, with 7.1 percent saying they have consumed alcohol during the work day. Working drug free results in fewer accidents, improved productivity, lower costs and provides encouragement for those with substance abuse problems to seek help.

BWC has offered a drug-free workplace program to Ohio employers for 12 years and is actively working to enhance its current drug-free workplace and safety offerings. These improvements are being guided by the recommendations of a recent comprehensive study of BWC programs and services. In the coming months, we expect to share information on the future and status of these programs.

Employers with questions related to safety, and establishing and maintaining a drug-free workplace may call 1-800-OHIOBWC or visit ohiobwc.com for more information.

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