Drugs Don’t Work in Georgia
Georgia’s Drug Free Workplace Program provides for a 7.5% discount (or credit) on your annual Workers Compensation insurance premium if you meet and maintain the criteria for a Drug Free Workplace Program. The program requires a written policy, employee/supervisor training and 4 different forms of substance abuse testing: Pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and follow-up (from a previous positive test where employers offer rehabilitation).
Drug free workplace – Over 77% of all illicit drug users are employed. Small and medium-sized firms employ 80% of the U.S. workforce where drug testing policies & programs are not in place. Absenteeism, increased healthcare costs and decreased productivity due to alcohol and other substance abuse costs your company $1,000 per employee per year.
Drug testing and drug free workplace programs are an institution in many workplaces these days. According to a recent poll by the Institute for a Drug Free Workplace, more than 71% of major U.S. companies regularly test for drugs and alcohol. In a 2005 Gallup poll survey, 37% of respondents said that substance abuse problems at work had increased in the last 5 years.
The Workers Compensation Insurance credit creates a profit through the program. The hidden benefits of such a program include lower absenteeism, lower healthcare costs, increased productivity, less likelihood of workers compensation claims and lower ultimate costs of these claims. There is also tremendous public relations value to such a program.
This program is designed to assist businesses in achieving drug-free certification.
To achieve drug-free certification, complete these 5 steps:
- Have a substance abuse policy.
- Conduct (limited) drug testing – You DO NOT have to test your entire workforce!
- Complete employee education.
- Complete supervisor training
- Have an Employee Assistance Program or Counselors List.
* A sample policy, monthly newsletters, training videos, & list of counselors are available at the Macon Chamber of Commerce.
