What is required to be certified as a drug-free workplace? Do drug-free workplaces receive a workers’ compensation discount?
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) does not certify drug-free workplaces, nor does it regulate the area of workplace substance abuse. However, it recognizes that workplace alcohol and drug abuse creates significant safety and health hazards and can lead to decreased productivity and employee morale. Therefore, DOL’s Working Partners program encourages employers to develop drug-free workplace programs. Some states have workers’ compensation laws that provide discounts to organizations that have drug-free workplace programs that include certain components, and as part of this process, they may provide drug-free workplace certification. For more information, visit the Working Partners Web site’s listing of state laws that impact drug-free workplace issues or contact your state Department of Labor’s Workers’ Compensation section.
