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DOL sets Drug-Free Work Week 2008 for October
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced that this year's national Drug-Free Work Week will take place October 20 through 26. The purpose of Drug-Free Work Week is to educate employers, employees, and the general public about the importance of being drug-free as an essential component of a safe and healthful workplace. According to studies conducted by researchers at the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions, an estimated 14.1 percent (17.7 million) of working adults in the United States used illicit drugs in the previous year, with an estimated 3.1 percent (3.9 million) actually doing so before reporting to work or during working hours.
Throughout Drug-Free Work Week, the department, alliance members and others will conduct activities to help employers, supervisors, and workers understand how to implement effective drug-free workplace programs that focus on detection and deterrence, while also offering assistance and support for workers who may have substance abuse problems. Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in Drug-Free Work Week by visiting the department's Drug-Free Work Week website at: www.dol.gov/drugfreeworkweek