Leadership Briefing

The Business Survey of the Drug-Free Workforce Community Initiative (DFWCI), funded by Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, found that businesses in Ohio could be doing more to grow and maintain an employable, drug-free workforce for the state.

This one-of-a-kind, never-been-done-before survey had 3,229 business representatives from 17 Ohio counties share their perceptions, attitudes, knowledge and practices of businesses related to preventing and addressing the harmful use of substances in the workplace and workforce.

For starters, one in three respondents reported that their business does not administer any of the five components of a drug-free workplace (DFWP) program, or don’t know if they do.

Furthermore, of the respondents who are doing one or more of the five drug-free workplace program components [written policy with operations, employee education, supervisor training, alcohol and drug testing, and assistance for employees], alcohol and drug testing was the only component being done by over half of the respondents. And for those who are not testing, the number one reason they gave, is that they don’t think they need to.

We are in turbulent times right now regarding drug use – in fact it has risen to the level of being declared a public health emergency. We’re seeing more overdose deaths than ever, the rate of positive workplace tests has increased an unprecedented four years in a row, and Ohio is on the cusp of operationalizing a law to legalize marijuana as medicine.

Employers potentially hold a lot of power in controlling this problem. They need to protect themselves and their bottom lines. How do you and your constituents measure up to these survey results? Are you doing everything you could be doing?

Now is a great time to start thinking about implementing a DFWP because enrollment in the Bureau of Workers Compensation’s Drug-Free Safety Program for public sector entities has started. Not only is it a business necessity in the current work environment, enrollment in the BWC’s program comes with perks:

• eligibility for a 4-7% rebate on workers’ comp. insurance premiums
• SafetyGrant$ money to subsidize start-up costs

And more great news — the requirements parallel the five components of a drug-free workplace program!

The public sector deadline to enroll is November 30, 2017. Visit our DFSP Help Zone to learn more about the program and to apply.

Deadline too soon for your constituents? They can apply now and just let their BWC contact know if they’ve changed their mind at a later date with no negative consequences. So please help get the word out.