Businesses across Oregon are finding that substance abuse is a major impediment to hiring and retaining employees.  Seventy-seven percent of Oregon employers say that on-the-job substance abuse is of some or great concern and is affecting their business.

Employee safety and product quality are critical to our company. So we decided years ago that we would be as close to a drug-free workplace as possible.  We have a flat organization and that means our employees are responsible for a broad range of complicated activities that require them to be alert. Drug testing helps us preempt problems. —Dan Thorndike, General Counsel, Medford Fabrication

Most Oregon companies have in place drug-free workplace programs.  These employers can help schools send the message that substance abuse will jeopardize success in jobs and careers.  When students learn they may not be hired or can be fired if they fail a drug test, this knowledge may change their attitudes and ultimately their behaviors around substance abuse.

The Oregon Employer Drug Free Initiative has developed a 40 minute classroom presentation by employers to communicate the risks of substance abuse to employment.  In a customizable powerpoint presentation, employers describe their company drug-free workplace policy, including drug testing and employee assistance programs, and their safety and productivity concerns related to employee substance abuse. Additionally, presenters provide real-life examples of the impact of substance abuse on jobs and careers.  . 

The presentation was developed as a Career-Related Learning Experience meeting the Career-Related Learning Standard in Employment Foundations to “Exhibit safe work behaviors, such as working free of the influence of alcohol and drugs, and other risky behaviors.”  Program evaluation funded by Clatskanie School District showed increases in both student understanding and attitudes. 

The Oregon Employer Drug Free Initiative also developed a fact sheet and manual to assist teachers and career counselors in implementing a Drugs in the Workplace Career-Related Learning Experience.  Assistance in recruiting employer presenters and scheduling presentations is available by contacting:

Mimi Bushman, Oregon Employer Drug Free Initiative
Associated Oregon Industries Foundation
1149 Court Street NE
Salem, Oregon 97301-4030
(503) 588-0050 ext. 235
(503) 227-5636 (Portland)
(800) 452-7862 (Oregon)
mimibushman@aoi.org