Starting the New Year Right

Most of us were happy to say goodbye to 2020. It was a tough year.

We are still in the mix, having dealt with another lockdown over the holidays when most of us get together with further restrictions being announced in Ontario Monday.

The Canadian Center on Substance Use and Addiction released a report detailing alcohol and cannabis use during the pandemic. 18% of Canadians report their alcohol consumption has increased mainly because of boredom, lack of a schedule and stress.

Difficult as things are, it is no time to let up on worker safety, especially when some of them have increased their consumption of alcohol and/or cannabis.

There are still construction companies that do not have a written Fit for Duty/Drug and Alcohol policy. The danger to workers' safety and major legal liability for the company in the event of an incident or accident is very real.

Unprepared companies could face fines under the OHSA up to $1,500,000.00. They could also do untold damage to their public image. This could prevent companies from getting lucrative contracts in the future.

The essential elements to protect workers and the company are:

1. Having a compliant Fit for Duty/Drug and Alcohol policy.
2. Communicating this policy to all workers and supervisors.
3. Training both supervisors and workers on recognising the specific hazards substances present on the jobsite and how to deal with them.

Once companies have followed these steps, they will have a defense under the OHSA that “every precaution reasonable in the circumstances was taken” should a substance related incident or accident occur. These steps could also prevent worker injuries and fatalities.

I strongly advise all companies that don’t have a Fit for Duty/Drug and Alcohol policy to develop one without delay, then train your supervisors and workers – that’s the way to start the new year off right.

By: Julian Toy H.S.C. Substance Abuse Professional
Member of The Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals
If you have questions, need training or literature please contact Julian directly:
Direct Line: 905-866-7301
E-Mail: juliantoy@myaddictionexperts.com
Web: www.myaddictionexperts.com
Services: Fit for Duty/Drug and Alcohol policy development, Fit for Duty/Drug and Alcohol training, Employee Substance Abuse Assessments and COVID 19 Mental Health Training,
Preferred provider of Fit for Duty/Drug and Alcohol training Eastern Construction Ltd.