The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that between 10 and 20 percent of workers who die on the job in the United States test positive for alcohol or other drugs.

The situation is equally troubling in Canada. A study conducted by the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Commission revealed that 11 percent of employees had used alcohol and 10 percent had used other drugs while at work during the past year.

Is alcohol and drug abuse a problem in your workplace? Here are some signs that may indicate that a worker is misusing drugs and alcohol:

1. A high number of injuries, illnesses or ailments
2. Changes in the worker’s attendance
3. Worker is disappearing from the work area
4. Safety or policy violations
5. Injury incidents or close calls at work
6. Missed deadlines
7. Substandard quality of work
8. Making excuses for poor work performance
9. Mood swings
10. A pattern of conflict with others
11. Complaints from co-workers or customers
12. Changes in ability to concentrate
13. Changes in amount or quality of work
14. Catching worker sleeping on the job
15. Being unfit for work duties and sent home as a result

Of course, just because a worker is displaying these signs, it doesn’t necessarily mean he or she has a drug or alcohol problem. But you should keep the possibility in mind.

What do you do if you suspect a worker has a problem with drugs or alcohol? The US Department of Labor offers some suggestions.

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