Drugs Don't Work Program: The Affect of Drugs in Georgia

Think drugs in Georgia don't affect you as a business executive? You might want to think again. Drug use in your business costs money, customers and lost productivity! Consider these facts*:

• 38-50% of workers' compensation claims are related to substance abuse.
• Substance abusers file 3-5 times more workers' comp claims.
• Substance abusers have 300% higher medical costs/benefits.
• Substance abusers are 2.5 times more likely to be absent from work.
• 77% of adult drug users are employed.

On the flip side, having a drug-free workplace helps:

• Reduce medical costs and lost productivity
• Lower employee turnover and reduce absenteeism
• Protect loyal employees

The Drugs Don't Work Program: 7.5%* Discount on Workers' Comp Premiums

The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce provides the Drugs Don't Work program at a cost of $50 annually to provide the necessary tools to empower business owners to maintain a drug-free workplace. Enrollment and certification through the Drugs Don't Work program can also help lower workers' compensation premiums.

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To obtain drug free workplace certification and qualify for the 7.5% discount on your workers' compensation premiums, you must complete the following steps:

 Drugs Don't Work Simplified Check List:

1.  Institute a substance abuse policy. The program provides English and Spanish translations.
2. Conduct drug testing. Not all employees are required to be tested, however, pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident testing are required. While random drug testing is not required, it is suggested. The program provides a certified testing provider list.
3. Conduct on-going employee education. The program provides a monthly newsletter for employees in both English and Spanish to equal the required two hours of training annually. Half of the training must be complete before applying for certification.
4. Oversee supervisor education. The program provides with a newsletter to distribute to supervisors for one hour of annual training. The balance of required training can be accomplished by a drug awareness trainer. Half of the training must be complete before applying for certification.
5. Post the provided referral list of treatment services.
6. Submit your application to the State Board of Worker's Compensation annually for Certification.

For more information, email Shelley Davis or call 770-532-6206.

*7.5% Discount available on Worker's Comp Insurance Premiums to all certified Drug Free Workplaces that purchase a premium; if you are self-insured, the 7.5% is from your state assessment fee.

**Source: 'Working Partners', National Conference Proceedings Report: US Dept. of Labor, the Small Business Administration, and the Office of National Drug Control Policy.