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 Drug Free Workplace ALLIES Program Gets Good Results for Members of Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute |
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Drug Free Workplace ALLIES Program Gets Good Results for Members of Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute |
Joseph E. "Pat" Patrick never dreamed that his company had a drug problem. That changed the day one of his plant managers informed him that there was a problem -- a big problem. He was told that as many as 10 percent of his employees were drug users. Patrick recalled that, upon hearing this news, he "had no idea where to begin." Today, he has a substance abuse policy in place for his own company and, beyond that, has initiated a program to involve all members of the Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute in substance abuse awareness.
Patrick's substance abuse program for his own company encompasses several methods used to confront substance abuse, including screening prospective employees for drug use and training supervisors to recognize the signs of drug abuse. The result of this effort is "a better, more enjoyable workplace," according to Patrick, who also noted that "efficiency is way up."
His personal success with a substance abuse policy for his own company prompted Patrick to offer the idea to his fellow industry members. That is when he and a special task force initiated the Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute's American Label Leaders Involved in Eradication of Substance Abuse (ALLIES) program. ALLIES used industry graphic arts talent to develop campaign materials that raised awareness of workplace substance abuse. These included program logos, a professional materials package, and a plexiglass-framed sign that proclaims a business a "drug-free workplace."
The ALLIES program has been very successful for members of the Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute who have chosen to join. More than 20 percent of member companies have joined and are using the ALLIES program and materials. As a result, worker absenteeism is down significantly and the number of on-the-job accidents and injuries is decreasing.
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