Methamphetamines at
Work
Methamphetamine
use in the workplace is an increasingly troublesome problem for employers.
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive, highly toxic psychostimulant
drug that is part of the class of amphetamines. Methamphetamines or "meth" is used to increase alertness and concentration
and relieve fatigue. In today's 24/7 workplace, employers need to be aware
that some employees may be turning to meth to
keep pace.
Dangers of Meth Use
Meth can make workers initially more productive.
Workers may show an increased attention to detail, incredible energy, and
less fatigue. Workers can do marathon work. But meth
has a devastating toll over time.
Meth is one of the most addictive and
potentially dangerous drugs around. A UCLA study found that meth destroys the areas of the brain that control
memory, emotion and reward systems.
Violent
behavior, mood swings, anxiety, and social disorganization are frequently
seen among methamphetamine users, increasing security concerns in the
workplace. Chronic abuse of methamphetamine can lead to paranoia, delusion,
and auditory and visual hallucinations.
While
initially meth users are full of energy, they
eventually crash hard. When meth users crash, they often fall asleep on the job, are
inattentive, sluggish, and unable to contribute or simply fail to show up
for work.
The
drug also has high a high physical toll. It leads to an increased chance
for stroke and high blood pressure. It can cause irregular heartbeat and
heart failure. It causes a decreased blood supply, leading users to have an
itching sensation and scratch themselves repeatedly causing skin lesions.
The drug also can cause breathing difficulties, convulsions and tremors.
The drug destroys the gums and decays the teeth. Personal hygiene declines.
Signs
of meth addiction include dizziness,
irritability, sudden weight loss, inability to get
along with co-workers or supervisors, and a possible tendency toward
violence.
Meth Use on the Rise
Last
year alone, employers who screen job applicants and workers for drugs saw
the number of positive test results for amphetamines increase by six
percent. Positive tests for methamphetamine, one of two stimulants in the
class of drugs, increased by three percent, according to a report by Quest
Diagnostics, Inc., one of the nation's largest drug screening firms. In
2004, amphetamines were found in .52 percent, or 364, 000,of
all drug tests, conducted by quests - - double the rate from 2000. California employers
showed particularly high positive test results for amphetamines.
Contrary
to the stereotype, drug users are usually employed. According to a National
Survey on Drug Use & Health, more than 7 out of 10 Americans who engage
in illegal drug use are employed. This represents more than 12.4 million
individuals. While the typical meth user in the
past was a white, blue-collar man, the drug is now being used by more
diverse groups across the USA,
according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Meth
is popular among long-haul truck drivers and other employees who must be
mentally alert while working long hours. Law enforcement officials note
that meth has a particular appeal to first time
users over the age of 30.
Costs of Methamphetamine Use in the Workplace
Illegal
drug use costs employers in numerous ways. It can affect the ability of the
company to meet its business goals due to decreased productivity, increased
absenteeism, product defects, incomplete projects, missed deadlines and
inaccurate work.
A
recent study at the University of Arkansas found that businesses in one
county alone (Benton County -population of about 170,000) were losing an
estimated $21 million annually because of meth -
- costs largely due to absenteeism and lost productivity. The study showed
that after a worker becomes addicted, it takes four meth
users to do the work of three non-users. Moreover, meth
users are five times more likely to be absent from work than non-users.
All
drug abuse is costly. The Office of National Drug Control Policy says that
drug use costs American companies $100 billion in lost profits each year.
The former chairman of General Motors, Roger Smith, said that employee drug
abuse cost GM $1 billion annually.
According
to the Miami Coalition for a Safe and Drug Free Community, an employee that
uses drug uses 300% more sick benefits, has 250% more absences, has 300%
more tardies, and requests 220% more early
dismissals than a non-drug using employee.
The
National Institute on Drug Abuse states that employees who use drugs cost
employers about two times as much in medical and workers' compensation
claims as drug-free co-workers. According to the Occupational Health and
Safety Administration, 65% of all work-related accidents are the direct
result of substance abuse.
In
addition, drug abuse at work can lead to crime on the premises, including
workplace violence, drug dealing and theft. Some studies have estimated
that up to 80% of employee fraud, embezzlement and theft can be linked to
illegal drug use. Moreover, according to the federal Drug Enforcement
Agency, 35% of all cocaine users sell drugs to co-workers to support their
own cocaine habit.
What Can Employers Do?
Drug
testing is a critical tool available to employers to help screen out and deal
with employees who are using illegal drugs. However, California's constitutional right to
privacy places substantial restrictions on an employer's ability to drug
test employees. Generally, an employer will be required to show that the
invasion of privacy from drug testing is justified because it substantially
furthers one or more legitimate and important interests that outweighs the employee's right to privacy.
California courts
have not provided detailed guidance on drug testing by employers, and employers
should always consult legal counsel.
Random
drug testing is generally not available to California employers unless the employee
is in a highly regulated, safety sensitive position – such as commercial
drivers regulated by the Department of Transportation. However, California employers
can require applicants to successfully pass a pre-employment drug test as a
condition of hire. Drug testing of employees based on a reasonable
suspicion of use is also generally available. Post accident testing may also
be upheld as constitutional when it is based on a reasonable suspicion that
drugs or alcohol were involved in the accident.
Employers should at a minimum:
- Institute a zero
tolerance drug and alcohol policy prohibiting use, possession, or sale
of drugs or alcohol while working or on the premises or job sites.
Prohibit employees from reporting to work under the influence of
illegal drugs.
- Provide
preventative programs dealing with the dangers of drug use.
- Determine if
testing is necessary. Examine the positions within your company. For
instance, are there any safety sensitive positions? If testing is
necessary, always use the least intrusive testing method and consult
with labor and employment counsel before implementing.
- Train supervisors
to recognize drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace.
|
