SLC 2014: High Society: Prescription and Illegal Drugs in the Workplace [Photo Gallery]

Oct. 30, 2014
Numerous states permit the use of medical marijuana, and two states – Colorado and Washington – have legalized it for recreational purposes.

Numerous states permit the use of medical marijuana, and two states – Colorado and Washington – have legalized it for recreational purposes. Some states, such as Minnesota and Arizona, have implemented laws restricting employers’ ability to fire employees who use medical marijuana on their own time.

The changing landscape associated with state-by-state “legalization” of marijuana use only adds to the confusion that employers already face in dealing with sometimes conflicting rules and regulations regarding drug testing and substance abuse.

Add in the increasing abuse of prescription drugs and  the use of over-the-counter medications, and things can get very confusing.

The Safety Leadership Conference session “High Society: Substance Abuse Challenges in Today’s Workplace” offered the latest best practices to address these concerns.

About the Author

Sandy Smith

Sandy Smith is the former content director of EHS Today, and is currently the EHSQ content & community lead at Intelex Technologies Inc. She has written about occupational safety and health and environmental issues since 1990.

Sponsored Recommendations

Elevating Safety: Empowering Supervisors to Become Safety Advocates

Aug. 27, 2024
Explore the skills, knowledge and techniques that supervisors need to effectively manage the safety of their crew. This guide will examine the causes and symptoms of supervisory...

Top 10 Causes of Distracted Driving—and What They All Have in Common

Aug. 27, 2024
The results reveal the top ten causes of distracted driving, and make it clear that not all distractions are created equal.

Providing the Best PPE is No Guarantee

Aug. 27, 2024
Advancements in PPE are impressive—better protection, comfort and style. But even if you’ve provided the best PPE, there is no guarantee it will be worn.

6 Qualities That Make a Safety Leader

Aug. 27, 2024
A strong safety culture depends on dedicated leaders. They are the people who spearhead the fight for a safer work environment. A good safety leader isn’t shy about bringing concerns...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!