Tie One on for Safety

In 1986, MADD started its “Tie One on for Safety” campaign—which runs during the holiday season when drinking tends to increase—and involves drivers tying red ribbons on their vehicle antennas or placing red ribbon decals in vehicle windows. Tie your training into this campaign by addressing the problem of alcohol in the workplace and its impact on safety.

Let employees know that more than three-quarters of Americans who struggle with alcohol addiction are employed. This situation affects safety in the workplace when some employees come into work under the influence and when others work with a hangover. More generally, the other health and personal problems that may cause—and are caused by—alcoholism can also result in a worker who is less than alert, less than diligent, and less able to work safely.

---

Examine BLR’s best selling Safety Audit Checklists program for 30 days at no cost … not even for return shipping.

---

Also ensure that employees know how hazardous alcohol abuse is to their health. Here are some general facts of which to make them aware:

• Alcohol is a depressant that slows brain and nervous system activity.
• Alcoholism is an addictive disease.
• Long-term drinking damages the heart, brain, liver, and nervous system.
• Drinking while pregnant can cause birth defects.

 

In addition, train employees to recognize the signs of alcohol addiction. Here are some of the major indicators that someone has a problem:

• Mood swings, anxiety, oversensitivity
• Drinking in the morning, before work, or before driving
• Missing work because of drinking
• Increased risk-taking and repeated accidents or near misses on the job
• Avoiding or mishandling responsibilities
• Drinking alone and avoiding friends and family when drinking
• Loud, aggressive, or violent behavior after drinking
• Forgetting what happened while drinking (blackouts)

 

---

Checklists keep airliners flying. They can keep your safety program up and running, too. See how in BLR’s award-winning Safety Audit Checklists program. Try it at no cost and no risk.

---

Finally, inform workers of your organization’s policy on drug and alcohol use in the workplace. Also let them know about the assistance you provide for workers with alcohol problems through your Employee Assistance Program or other plans, such as local Alcoholics Anonymous groups. Tell them that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects employees who are, or have been, in alcohol treatment. But it does not protect employees who drink on the job, violate employer rules, or act unsafely.

---

Why It Matters…

• In one recent year, among 55.3 million adult binge drinkers, 44 million (79 percent) were employed.
• Among 16.4 million persons reporting heavy alcohol use, 13.1 million (80 percent) were employed.
• Approximately 1.8 percent of employees consumed alcohol before coming to work, and 7.1 percent drank alcohol during the workday.
• Approximately 1.7 percent of employees worked while under the influence of alcohol, and 9.2 percent worked with a hangover.

Other Recent Articles on Training
Treats Can Be Tricky
Night Driving Twice As Dangerous, Experts Say
How to Lower High Blood Pressure Risks in the Workplace

Prevent LO/TO Accidents with Training—and More Training