An employer that implements a Drug-Free Workplace Program and becomes a carrier certified drug-free workplace may be protected (in most cases) from workplace accidents that are a result of employees working under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Studies have shown a well-planned program to reduce substance abuse can increase productivity, reduce accidents, and decrease costs due to insurance claims.
An employer implementing this program will also receive additional benefits:
• All employees will become more aware of the importance of safety in the workplace and will benefit from a safer work environment.
• When an employee incurs a work-related injury, and refuses to take a drug test when requested, the injured employee may forfeit eligibility for workers' compensation benefits regardless of the cause of the accident.
• An employee who loses a job or is denied employment as a result of a positive drug/alcohol test, may not qualify for unemployment compensation benefits. In that case, the contributory employer could be relieved of charges in connection with the unemployment claim.
• If drugs are found in the employee's system at or above threshold levels, the injured employee may not be entitled to workers' compensation benefits (Note: Case law may affect the injured employee's eligibility to benefits). This benefit is provided to employers who are carrier certified and in compliance with the program. If the employer is not carrier certified as a drug-free workplace, and the injured employee is able to show that the cause of the accident was not related to the presence of drugs in his/her system (i.e., if a heavy piece of equipment falls on the worker through no fault of his or her own), he or she may still be entitled to benefits.
• If you implement a drug-free workplace program and become carrier certified, you are eligible for a 5 percent credit to your workers' compensation insurance premium.
