ProSweep Starts the Year With Drug-Free Safety Program

Workplace safety is a primary concern at ProSweep in Toledo, Ohio; a 1-800-SWEEPER partner. As a part of the over arching workplace motto of “Safety, Quality, Productivity” the ProSweep year begins with a focus on safety. Every year Supervisors and Employees alike participate in a Drug-Free safety program, which is presented by the knowledgeable staff at Workplace Resources.

There are many challenges that drivers in the sweeping industry face. Night driving in and of itself poses its own special hazards such as reduced visibility, and sleepiness on the job site. The challenges of night driving, paired along with the influence of drugs can easily combine to create a dangerous if not lethal situation.

It has been found that persons involved in drug abuse are more likely to:
• Be involved in workplace accidents
• Be less productive on the job
• Change jobs more frequently
• Frequently miss work or are late to work

The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that nearly 75% of adults who use illicit drugs are employed. OSHA asserts that out of all work related fatalities, roughly 10-20% of these cases have positive drug or alcohol test results. Alcohol is one of the most widely abused drugs that is seen in the work force, which in the sweeping industry poses a special threat in the form of drunk driving. It was estimated that in 2009 that 18% of the persons fatally injured in an accident tested positive for at least one illicit, prescription, or over the counter drug. Even more concerning is that this trend is increasing.

It is not just alcohol that poses a threat on the job site. Prescription sedatives and marijuana are a leading cause of numerous workplace and auto accidents. In a study of over 3,000 fatal accidents in Australia, it was found that marijuana played an active part in many of these accidents. Additionally, it was found that the higher the blood concentration level of THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) the more likely the driver was at fault for the fatal accident.

As a part of ProSweep’s drug free workplace efforts, all employees undergo new hire, random, and post accident drug screenings. In other organizations such as the American military, the known practice of drug screening has actively dissuaded drug users from joining. By actively discouraging drug use in the workplace, providing education to employees and supervisors, and performing random regular screenings; ProSweep has enjoyed many years without any workplace accidents. due to the influence of drugs. ProSweep’s continuous reinforcement of their drug free workplace policy has proven to improve the workplace environment as well as the person lives of their employees and families alike.

Story by Kerry Porter

Resources:

https://www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/drug_free/drug_free.html
http://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/drugged-driving
http://www.madd.org/