Daily tasks at work may require alertness, concentration, and accurate reflexes. When these qualities are impaired due to drug or alcohol use then incidents may occur or there may be a disruption in the accuracy and efficiency of work. Substance abuse among employees can threaten public safety, impair job performance and lead to an increase in job-related injuries and incidents.
The Impact of Drug and Alcohol Use at Work
Drug and alcohol use can affect workplace safety even when substances are consumed outside of working hours. Employees may experience lingering effects that interfere with their ability to concentrate, make decisions, and perform their jobs safely.
Drug and alcohol use that may affect job attendance and performance can include:
- drug use or alcohol consumption before the work shift or during the work day
- prescription drug abuse, excessive alcohol consumption or illegal drug use during non-work hours that cause side effects that last into the work day
The effects of alcohol or drugs may continue long after a person stops using them, depending on the substance, amount consumed, and individual response. Workers should understand that being off the clock when a substance is used does not necessarily mean they will be safe to work when their next shift begins.
Alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, or prescription drug misuse can vary from occasional and recreational to frequent, dependent or problematic. As a result, there are also a variety of impacts and consequences that may occur in one's personal life and at work.
Worker productivity can be affected by excessive alcohol consumption or drug use as it may lead to more frequent absenteeism, job turnover and presenteeism. Presenteeism is when the employee is physically present but not mentally engaged in the work required.
Workers who are skipping work due to substance dependency are more likely to experience workplace conflict with supervisors or peers. Such conflict may damage morale and create an uncomfortable work environment for other employees.
Employees who suffer from drug or alcohol dependency are nearly three times more likely to either cause or personally experience an injury-related absence from work.
Effects of Alcohol and Drugs
Different substances can affect the body and brain in different ways, but many can interfere with the skills needed to perform work safely. Impaired judgment, reduced coordination, and slower reaction times can be especially dangerous when driving, operating equipment, or performing other hazardous tasks.
Alcohol is a sedative that can impair a person's judgement, thinking ability, and coordination to some degree. Employees under the influence of alcohol may experience poor concentration, carelessness, errors in judgement or may engage in unnecessary risk-taking behavior.
A range of medications can affect work performance, particularly when mixed with alcohol. These include pain relievers, cough medicine, antihistamines and sleeping pills.
Even if an employee is not consuming alcohol during work hours, hangovers from drinking can still negatively affect work performance.
Drug and alcohol use also impacts close friends and family members. Those who live with or care for a person who abuses drugs or alcohol may have a difficult time concentrating at work, need to take more days off than usual, or have health-related issues due to stress.
Signs of Impairment at Work
Recognizing possible signs of impairment is important because an affected worker may put themselves or others at risk. Changes in behavior, physical coordination, alertness, or work performance may indicate that an employee is having difficulty performing their job safely.
Problems that may occur at work because of drug or alcohol use:
- exhaustion, drowsiness, sleeping on the job
- tardiness, absenteeism
- poor decision making, difficulty problem-solving
- trouble with retaining new information
- difficulty concentrating or staying alert
- altered sense of time
- impaired coordination, slow reaction time
- memory problems, forgetfulness
- confrontational or risk-taking behavior
- reduced productivity
- illness
- loss of interest
- sensitive emotional state that affects job performance
These warning signs do not necessarily mean someone is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as fatigue, illness, stress, and other health conditions can produce similar symptoms. Regardless of the cause, concerns about a worker's ability to perform tasks safely should be addressed promptly and according to company procedures.
Stimulant Drug Side Effects
Stimulants can temporarily increase energy and alertness, but they may also interfere with concentration, judgment, and physical well-being. Depending on the substance and how it is used, these effects can create additional safety concerns during the workday.
Drugs that act as stimulants can also produce negative side effects that may cause issues at work like:
- hyperactivity
- tension, anxiety
- rapid heartbeat
- inability to focus or concentrate
- depressant effects after the initial high
As stimulant effects wear off, a person may experience significant fatigue, irritability, or difficulty concentrating. These changes can affect work performance and increase the risk of mistakes, particularly during tasks that require sustained attention or quick reactions.
Employee Responsibilities
Maintaining a safe work environment requires employees to understand company policies regarding drug and alcohol use and recognize when impairment may affect workplace safety. Workers should take their responsibilities seriously and know how to report safety concerns or seek assistance when needed.
As a worker, you have the responsibility to
- know where to find and understand the organization's drug and alcohol use policy.
- understand the negative consequences that may affect employment if an employee is found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- set a good example for others.
- seek help if you or a co-worker needs it.
- notify management if you observe use of or impairment from drugs or alcohol that could threaten the health and safety of employees.
- acknowledge and understand that impairment of any kind is unsafe.
Employees should never attempt to perform safety-sensitive tasks when their ability to work safely is impaired. If a medication, substance, or other condition may affect job performance, workers should follow company procedures for addressing the concern before beginning or continuing hazardous work.
Drug and alcohol use can affect judgment, coordination, concentration, and reaction time, increasing the risk of workplace injuries and incidents. Workers should recognize possible signs of impairment, understand company policies, and take appropriate action when safety concerns arise. Encouraging employees to speak up, seek assistance when needed, and avoid performing hazardous tasks while impaired helps protect everyone in the workplace.
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