LWCC

SAFETY NOTICE

Supporting a Drug-Free Workplace

Substance abuse and dependence is an unfortunate and disheartening reality that affects over 20 million Americans. In the workforce, this equates to issues like heightened safety risks, lowered productivity, higher turnover, and lost revenue. This is particularly true in the construction industry, where risk of injury is inherently higher and the estimated rate of substance use disorder (SUD) among workers is 14.3 percent.

The High Price of Employee Substance Abuse:

Workers’ Compensation

Employees with SUD are five times more likely to file a workers’ compensation claim, which could also result in an increase to policy premiums. To help protect against these costs, it is strongly encouraged that all employers implement a drug-free workplace policy and drug testing.

Medical Costs

Those who suffer from SUD encounter more costly medical conditions than their sober peers. They are more likely to require emergency care, hospital admission, mental health services, and cost an average of $1,852 more in healthcare premiums.

Unsafe Work Environment

Employees with SUD are 3.6 times more likely to be involved in workplace accidents. Considering that the construction industry represents approximately 18 percent of all workplace deaths, substance abuse poses an exceptional risk in the industry.

Reduced Productivity

Employees with SUD are approximately 33 percent less productive than their co-workers, a fact that costs employers around $49 billion each year. LWCC delivers best-in-class workers' comp insurance, focused not only on life-long care of an injured worker, but also on providing improved safety, health, and wellness to workers across the state. We are Louisiana Loyal. Always.

is proud to support the National Drug-Free Workplace Alliance in their annual observance of National Drug-Free Work Week from October 17 – 23. Help your organization combat substance abuse and increase safety by exploring our many free resources, including a sample drug-free workplace policy, at lwcc.com/safetyservices.