During the month of June, the U.S. recognizes National Safety Month by calling attention to workplace safety. In addition to our emphasis on safety topics specific to Mauser Packaging Solutions, we join with other companies across the U.S. by focusing on weekly topics provided by the National Safety Council.
National Safety Month – Week Two – Workplace Impairment
Substance abuse in the workplace has a direct cost to employers and creates an unsafe work environment. Employee substance abuse leads to absenteeism, decreased productivity, and safety incidents.
Mauser Packaging Solutions enforces a drug and alcohol free workplace policy however impairment can be caused by factors other than drug and alcohol use. Side effects from proper use of prescription or over the counter drugs can also cause impairment. Additionally, fatigue and emotional impairment from caring for a young child, dealing with stress or shock from a personal or work-related crisis, or even certain medical emergencies also carry serious risks to workplace safety.
Employees should be aware of the signs of impairment and be willing to report when they or a co-worker show signs of impairment:
- Personality changes or erratic behavior.
- Overt signs appearance of drug or alcohol impairment (slurred speech, odor of alcohol of drugs, poor coordination).
- Consistent lateness, absenteeism, reduced productivity or quality of work.
Reporting an impaired employee in the workplace protects those around us from becoming involved in a safety incident and allows steps to be taken to provide help as needed. The right workplace environment can help prevent further substance misuse, stress, fatigue and other issues, while providing help to individuals struggling with the underlying cause of impairment.