This year's national Drug-Free Work Week will take place October 20 through 26. The purpose of Drug-Free Work Week is to educate employers, employees and the general public about the importance of being drug-free as an essential component of a safe and healthful workplace. Now in its third year, the annual campaign is a collaborative effort organized by the Department of Labor (DOL), members of its Drug-Free Workplace Alliance, and other public and private sector organizations. All employers and employees are encouraged to participate.

Drug-Free Work Week is a dedicated time each year to highlight the benefits that drug-free workplace programs bring to employers, workers and communities. According to recent research, 75 percent of the nation’s current illegal drug users are employed and 3.1 percent say they have actually used illegal drugs before or during work hours. Seventy-nine percent of the nation’s heavy alcohol users are employed, with 7.1 percent admitting that they have consumed alcohol during the workday.

The campaign spreads the message that working drug free helps:

• Prevent accidents and make workplaces safer;
• Improve productivity and reduce costs; and
• Encourage people with alcohol and drug problems to seek help.

Throughout Drug-Free Work Week, the DOL, alliance members and others will conduct activities to help employers, supervisors and workers understand how to implement effective drug-free workplace programs that focus on detection and deterrence, while also offering assistance and support for workers who may have substance abuse problems. The Drug-Free Work Week website includes a tool box containing drop-in articles, print public service announcements and other materials to assist organizations.

Source: http://www.dol.gov/drugfreeworkweek.