Substance use and abuse can have obvious immediate impacts on safety and performance in the workplace, including irritability, poor communication, hampered reactions and decreased ability to concentrate. In addition there are secondary effects which also significantly impact an employee's ability to work, including sleep disturbances as well as a myriad of both short and long term health consequences.        

 

Workplace drug policies are essential, but so is education and support. Health by Design has successfully reduced the number of smokers and problem drinkers in many workplaces as well as increased the awareness of the impact of drug use.