Substance Abuse Issues

Substance abuse is a growing concern in North American workplaces. Jobsites where Laborers are employed are no exception. More and more, LIUNA’s signatory employers have declared their jobsites to be "drug-free"and expect workers to be "fit for duty"as a job requirement – and frequently use workplace drug and alcohol testing to verify this requirement. This increase in drug testing on LIUNA jobsites follows nationwide trends in employment practices in many industries.

The Health Promotion Division provides information, technical assistance, consultation and training to LIUNA local unions, health and welfare funds and signatory employers in the area of substance abuse that may affect the health and safety of Laborers, both at work and at home.

Technical assistance and consultation on workplace substance abuse issues includes providing sample workplace drug testing policies, reviewing collective bargaining or other policy language, ensuring compliance with federal or state regulations and developing cost effective health benefits for treatment of alcoholism and drug dependency.

Substance Abuse Awareness is a four-hour training program designed to educate union officials and signatory employers on substance abuse, the disease of chemical dependency and how to assist workers and their families obtain assistance and/or treatment. The program also provides customized evaluation materials.

Orientation to Worksite Drug & Alcohol Testing is a training program to provide essential information about workplace drug testing procedures and practices. It is for members and apprentices; stewards, business agents, employer representatives and instructors. Program components include participant guides, a 20-minute videotape, color overhead transparencies and a brochure, It’s Your Choice – When You Know the Facts About Drugs and Alcohol. LHSFNA staff members are available to teach this course and to provide train-the-trainer” sessions for instructors (two to four hours).

CISD: Critical Incident Stress Debreifing
Programs