Drug Free Workplace

The Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission has a Rule-36 entitled “Voluntary Program for Drug-Free Workplaces.” Through an application process, a premium credit on workers’ compensation insurance can be obtained.

By implementing a Voluntary Drug-Free Workplace Program your business can save up to 5% off their annual workman's compensation premiums which can be a substantial savings for your business.

Why have a Drug-Free Workplace Program?

• Decreased absenteeism!
• Fewer accidents!
• Less downtime!
• More productive work force!
• Less turnover and theft!
• Greater morale in the workplace!
• Healthier employees!

How it works:

Step 1 – Draft policies that prohibit the use of drugs and alcohol in the workplace.

• Review and assessment of current policies by AOHC is available!
• Sample policies are provided to get you started!

Once policies are developed, distribute to employees and have them sign saying they have read and agree to new policies.

Step 2 – Supervisor and Employee Training is to be done yearly. This can be done during the 60 day period leading up to testing.

Supervisor Training

• 60 min of alcohol and 60 min of drug training.
• Teaches supervisors affects of drugs/alcohol on the body.
• Teaches how to spot an impaired employee on the job.
• Teaches how to handle reasonable suspicion situations when an employee is thought to be impaired on the job.
• Cover the steps of drug/alcohol testing.
• Teaches about their role in creating a safe and drug-free environment at work.

Employee Training

• Teaches affects of drugs/alcohol on the body.
• Teaches importance of drug/alcohol testing in the workplace.
• Covers the steps of a drug/alcohol test and what to expect.
• Teaches about their protection and privacy issues during and after the test.
• Teaches about their role in creating a safe and drug-free environment at work.

Step Three - Drug Testing. Any company that implements a drug-free workplace program must perform the follow drug tests:

1. Pre-employment drug screens
2. Reasonable suspicion drug screens
3. Post accident drug screens
4. Follow-up or return to duty drug screens
5. Random drug screens*

At the end of the 60 notice period we recommend that everyone be tested to begin the program! Why?

1. No appearance of favoritism is shown!
2. It shows that the company is serious about the program!

Step Four – Establish an EAP (Employee Assistance Program). This is a step that if an employee ever tests positive he/she must be given information about where they can get help. The employer does NOT have to pay for getting the employee help; you just have to point them in the right direction. We have a list of places an employer can use to do that. (Just click on the EAP List) print it out and put it on file.

Once initial testing is complete and your have your results back you can fill out the application for the 5% credit on your workers’ compensation premiums. A link to this form is at http://www.awcc.state.ar.us/drugfree.html

Contact information:

Andy King - Drug-Free Workplace Coordinator

Office phone 479-725-3049

Cell phone 479-790-8180

Fax 479-725-3095

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