Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy

Author: Deborah S. Hildebrand

When to Use

Employers with a federal contract worth $100,000 or more and all employers that receive federal grants must comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, which requires them to maintain a drug-free workplace and publish and provide employees, including supervisors, with a written policy statement of the program.

However, employers that are not required by law to have a drug- and alcohol-free workplace policy should consider implementing one to help reduce drug and alcohol use and drug- and alcohol-related problems in the workplace. By implementing and training employees on such a policy, employers may be able to ensure workplace safety, worker health and productivity. Additionally, a written policy may be required by an employer's insurance carrier and may be useful in defending against potential lawsuits or for evidence in disciplinary proceedings. There may also be a monetary incentive to having a drug- and alcohol-free workplace policy. For instance, many states give discounts on workers' compensations premiums for employers that have a drug- and alcohol-free workplace program in place.

Note that this Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy does not address additional requirements applicable to employers in safety- and security-sensitive industries.