Citation

Shain M. Accid. Anal. Prev. 1982; 14(3): 239-246.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1982, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The relationship between alcohol, drugs and accidents in the workplace is explored in the context of available evidence, the balance of which suggests that the contribution of substance abuse and misuse to personal injury and property damage losses has been underestimated. Recommendations are made which require that a more complete data base be developed in this area. Necessary steps are seen as: (1) conducting independent prevalence surveys of alcohol and drug use in specific work organizations; (2) relating this information to safety-related behaviour as monitored through, (a) observation and interviews and (b) searches of official records, in particular, Workmen's Compensation files. Collaboration from the outset with key interest groups such as Safety Associations, Unions, concerned health and safety agencies as well as management is recommended as the prerequisite to the effective implementation of such a research programme and its results. In the interim, it is recommended that all interested parties take a close informal look at their own areas of responsibility in order to determine the probability of losses to life, limb and property caused by alcohol and drugs. Also, it is suggested that the relationships between the management of alcohol and drug related problems and the management of safety be more closely coordinated. The emphasis, however, should be as much on heavy drinking as on alcoholism, and as much on inappropriate prescription use of drugs as on illicit drug abuse.