Block 6: Substance Abuse - Introduction

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OBJECTIVES

By the end of this module, you should:

appreciate the cost to the employer of substance abuse;
know the definitions of substance use, abuse, and dependence;
recognise the signs and symptoms of substance use, abuse, and dependence;
know the components of a substance abuse programme for the workplace.

INTRODUCTION:

Substance abuse is costing South African businesses millions of Rands annually through lost productivity, increased health care costs and wasted human potential.

COSTS OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE TO THE EMPLOYER:

Substance abuse can be quantified in terms of costs incurred by the employer. The following information is derived from research carried out in the United States:

Productivity: 33% less productive.
Sick leave and late reporting for work: 10 times more likely to miss work.
Increased workplace crime: Commission of theft and/or fraud.
Accidents or errors:- 3.6 times more likely to be involved in on-the-job accidents.
WCA, insurance and medical aid claims- 5 times more likely to file WCA claims, and incur 3 times higher health costs.
Increase in staff turnover.
Decrease in staff morale.
Increased risk of HIV infection: Mostly due to the association between substance abuse and high risk sexual behaviour while under the influence.

A South African example:

At one industrial site:

10 % employees had more than 0.08% blood alcohol,
30 % employees were below the 0.08% blood alcohol limit.

This suggests that about 40% of the employees were intoxicated to some extent.

After random urine testing was introduced:

only 4 % employees were found to be intoxicated to some extent.
Within 6 months:
disabling injuries decreased by 52.3%, and,
non-disabling injuries decreased by 44.6%.

It is estimated that 20-40% of industrial accidents in South Africa are alcohol related.