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Substance Abuse in the General Services Industry

A lot of service companies wrongly believe that substance abuse is a problem only in industries that have "safety-sensitive" positions-jobs requiring the operation of vehicles, machinery and tools. However, the general services industry pays a high price for substance abuse. It is the nation's largest employer of people in "security-sensitive positions"-jobs through which workers have access to financial records, maintain confidential information or are privy to a company's ideas or product plans. Mistakes made by workers impaired because of abuse of alcohol or other drugs have far-reaching consequences. In order to ensure the security and success of their enterprises, America's service companies must have workplaces that are alcohol and drug free.

A The United States government analysis revealed that rates of substance use among workers in a range of general services fields are as follows:1

 

Service Category

Current Illicit Drug Use (%)

Past Year Illicit Drug Use (%)

Current Heavy Alcohol Use (%)

Business and Repair Services

11.1

19.8

9.7

Finance, Insurance, Real Estate

5.4

14.6

4.5

Personal Services

10.3

19.3

5.8

Professional and Related Services

4.2

11.05

3.1

Public Administration

3.7

8.8

7.2

The good news is that more and more general services industry companies, ranging from large international corporations to small locally owned businesses, are implementing drug-free workplace programs to ensure productive workforces and safe workplaces — company features that ultimately result in increased profitability and success

Workplace Substance Abuse Articles and information sheets:

Information On the Dangers of Workplace Substance Abuse

Men's Health Connection

Lifestyle

Workplace Health and Safety Information  





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