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no Substance use
Substance use, including the misuse of alcohol, drugs, medications, and other substances, can significantly impact a small business. It can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, lower morale, and a heightened risk of workplace accidents. For individuals struggling with substance use, the challenges often extend far beyond work, affecting their overall well-being.
As an employer, manager, supervisor, HR, or OSH specialist, you can significantly minimise the risks associated with substance use in your workplace. This involves taking proactive steps, such as establishing clear, consistently enforced policies regarding substance use, providing comprehensive educational resources on the risks of misuse, and implementing workplace programmes that offer support and guidance for those affected. By focusing on these concrete actions, you can create a safer and more productive work environment, while also providing essential support to those who may be struggling.
On this page, you’ll find practical resources to help you navigate these situations, from creating substance abuse programs to supporting colleagues and managing workplace risks. A little understanding and thoughtful action can go a long way in helping someone regain stability and confidence.
Guidelines
General information
English
Swedish
Finnish
15 min - 2 hours
10-20 minutes
30 min - 1h
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This tool from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health helps organisations create tailored substance abuse prevention programs. By addressing substance misuse and gambling, the tool aims to improve occupational safety, reduce health risks, and lower related costs. It’s designed for HR, managers, occupational safety and health professionals, employee representatives, and occupational health care providers.
This articles by the Health and Safety Executive UK provides advice on how to manage drug and alchohol misuse at work and how to support employees with a risk for misuse.
This toolkit by the Business in the Community UK provides information to the employers on how to promote health and support employees who want or need to change their relationship with alcohol, drugs and tobacco. It includes simple, practical steps you can follow to embed a positive and open culture.