Substance abuse in the workplace is a major safety hazard that businesses should address immediately. It is vital to notice the signs of substance abuse at work before they turn into a workplace accident or a significant drop in work quality. If you suspect an employee is struggling with substance abuse, consider looking into workplace drug testing in Wichita, KS.
Outsourcing your drug testing to a reliable workplace safety organization is essential. This ensures ethical treatment and discretion for the employees involved. These organizations also provide excellent data security, offer tailored solutions to recovery plans, and can improve overall workplace safety.
What Should Employers Look Out For
If you are concerned about substance abuse at work, there are a few telltale signs to keep an eye out for. Employees struggling with substances may act differently than normal, and these shifts in behavior may include:
Impaired Performance
Those struggling with drug or alcohol use at work often exhibit a sharp decline in performance. You might notice increased absenteeism and an apparent disinterest in work. These employees will start showing up late more than usual or seem to get sick more than the average person without a valid medical explanation.
Employers should look for decreased productivity, worsened memory, and poorer concentration throughout a shift. Your employee may also suddenly be involved in unexplained accidents because of compromised motor function.
If no reasonable explanation is given for poor performance, especially if it comes on suddenly, substance abuse may be the culprit. These changes usually will not resolve on their own and may lead to reasonable suspicion if they persist or are repeated isolated events.
Changes in Demeanor
Non-performance-related signs of substance abuse at work include subtle and more pronounced behavioral changes. The employee may appear to have rapid mood swings or act in a secretive or suspicious manner. A usually bubbly, sociable employee may stick to themselves more or have moments of out-of-character hostility or paranoia.
They might take more risks, seem constantly low on energy, and act unmotivated toward their duties, even when reprimanded.
Another red flag is a neglected appearance, with seemingly little interest in clothing or grooming. Those abusing substances sometimes smell of alcohol, chemicals, or stronger body odor. A sudden interest in constantly chewing gum or candy can also indicate substance abuse.
Their eyes may be bloodshot or watery, and their pupils may appear dilated. A general appearance of malaise can also be a warning sign, so look for overly pale or flushed skin and excessive sweating. Slurred or unusually slow speech may accompany the other physical signs.
Important Considerations
Businesses should be aware of the signs of substance abuse at work to recognize employees struggling with addiction and quickly provide appropriate support to keep everyone safe. However, these symptoms (and even combinations of them) can also indicate other issues, such as underlying health conditions or personal losses at home.
Employers who suspect drug impairment should document a course of action for reasonable suspicion and remove the employee from any safety-sensitive area of their job. It is best to have a supervisor or HR representative observe the potentially afflicted employee for a second account of any odd behavior. Document everything during these observations, including any complaints or reports by coworkers of the potentially impaired.
From there, arrange drug testing through a third-party workplace safety organization. These companies can offer either on-site testing or assessment of employees in an external facility. Refusal to participate in a drug test or a failed drug test can then be cause for whatever penalties your company policy requires.
Consult WorkSafe for Support With Employee Substance Abuse
WorkSafe offers reliable drug tests, ranging anywhere from 5 to 14 panel tests, to screen for the most commonly abused substances and can also provide breath alcohol testing to assess employees for impairment. Organizations such as the Department of Transportation (DOT) require these tests after accidents or with reasonable suspicion of impairment.
If an employee tests positive for drug use or exceeds the regulation limit on blood-alcohol content, a substance abuse provider will evaluate them. Our experienced team streamlines test scheduling and simplifies the process of keeping your workplace safe and healthy.
Let WorkSafe assist you with immediate results for breath alcohol testing and drug screening. Our team is highly qualified and prioritizes data security and accurate testing methods. WorkSafe can also provide customized solutions for workplace safety and health issues to prevent and manage ongoing concerns.
Contact us online or call 316-262-8800 today to schedule a test to address the signs of substance abuse at work.