Bureau Of Workers
Compensation Drug Free Work Place:
 Today, there a number of reason why employers
establish Drug-Free Workplace programs. Among the leading reasons
are:
- Compliance with law or other
regulations
- Qualification
for insurance discounts, rebates and other incentives
- Prevention
of associated problems, e.g., absenteeism, accidents,
injuries, productivity loss
- Response to an incident or
pattern of substance abuse
- Expression of support for the
majority of employees who do not abuse alcohol or drugs
- Investment in worker health, safety,
and family stability - Marketing of Drug-Free workers and
services
The DFWP program is designed to help employers deter, detect
and take corrective action related to substance use that affects
workplace safety. Participants must develop a substance policy
that describes their drug-free program. The policy should describe
annual employee education and supervisor training, drug and
alcohol testing, and employee assistance, which – along
with the written policy – comprise the key components
of any effective drug-free workplace program. What discounts are available to employers for participating
in the DFWP?
Employers participating in both DFWP and Premium Discount Program + (PDP+)
will receive a discount for both programs based on their eligibility. In addition,
employers can stack their DFWP discount on top of the benefit they receive
for participating in group rating up to a maximum benefit of 35 percent.
Level 1 - 10-percent discount
Level 1 requires development of a written policy and certain
types of testing: pre-employment and/or new hire; reasonable
suspicion; post-accident; and follow-up. In addition, employers
must do annual employee education and supervisor training and
develop a list of local community resources that employees
with problems can turn to for assistance.
Level 2 - 15-percent discount
Level 2 requires the same drug and alcohol testing requirements
as Level 1 along with random drug testing of 10 percent of
the average annual total work force. For public employers,
random testing applies only to safety-sensitive positions or
functions, as defined by the employer. Level 2 employers must
offer annual employee education and supervisor training and
must expand available employee assistance. In addition, they
must implement five steps of BWC’s 10-Step Business Plan, a highly
coordinated safety program.
Level 3 - 20-percent discount
Level 3 requires 25-percent random drug testing, employee education,
supervisor training and expanded employee assistance. Employers
must also implement all 10 steps of the 10-Step Business Plan.
|
