What should a supervisor do if he or she suspects that an employee is abusing drugs and alcohol?
A. The US Department of Labor recommends that supervisors suspicious of abuse should escort the employee to a private area to ask about the employee’s behavior. If possible, the supervisor should call in another supervisor or manager who can serve as a witness to the conversation. Then, the supervisor should inform the employee of his or her concerns and allow the employee to give an explanation. Based on the outcome, the supervisor should notify senior management, who may or may not decide to place the employee on suspension pending a formal investigation. If a suspension is mandated, management should arrange for the employee to be escorted home-after all, if the employee is not in satisfactory shape to work, he or she is in no shape to drive themselves anywhere.
