On October 12, 2004, OSHA and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy's Working Partners for an
Alcohol- and Drug-free Workplace Program (Working Partners) and the International
Association of Bridge, Structural Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers (IABSORIW),
the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB), the International Union of
Operating Engineers (IUOE) and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners
of America (UBCJA) formed an Alliance to provide members of the construction
industry with information, guidance and access to training resources regarding
the benefits of drug-free workplace programs and protect employees' health and
safety. The organizations particularly focus on educating workers on safety and
productivity hazards created by the abuse of alcohol and other drugs in the workplace.
An addendum was signed on July 10, 2006 that added the American Road & Transportation
Builders Association (ARTBA); Associated General Contractors of America (AGC); International
Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers (IAHFIAW); International
Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT); Laborers' International Union of North America
(LIUNA); National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA); the Association of Union Constructors (NEA),
Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC & RA); and United Association of Journeymen and
Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UAJAPPFI)
and the Alliance was renewed on October 19, 2006 for an additional two years.
Based on discussions regarding the future of the Alliance, OSHA and the Drug-Free
Workplace Alliance agreed to conclude the Alliance as of October 12, 2008. A number of successes
resulted from the organizations working together to meet the Alliance’s goals, including:
- OSHA and the Drug-Free Workplace Alliance promoted the Justice Department's National
Methamphetamine Awareness Day on November 27, 2006. Through the Alliance a slide
presentation entitled, "Methamphetamine in the Workplace,” was developed and distributed
the Alliance members and was posted on the Working Partners Web page on the DOL Web site.
- The Drug Free Workplace Alliance signatories, in collaboration with the Department of
Labor (DOL) and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, helped to
establish the DOL's Drug-Free Work Week. The Drug-Free Work Week is held annually
in October and is a public awareness campaign intended to highlight the fact that
being drug free is key to protecting workplace safety and health and to encourage
workers with alcohol and drug problems to seek help.
- During the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA)
Safety Boot Camp in Las Vegas, Nevada, ARTBA delivered an educational presentation
on drug-free workplace issues.
- On December 4, 2008, the Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) presented
information on the Drug-Free Workplace Alliance at the TAUC Local Employer meeting.
- Elena Carr, Drug Policy Coordinator and Director, Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free
Workplace Program, DOL presented, "Drug-Free Work Week: DOL Tools and Tips for a Successful
Campaign," during the 2006 and 2007 Substance Abuse Program Administrators Association (SAPAA) Annual Conference.
- The International Association of Bridge, Structural Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers (IABSORI) delivered
nine presentations at nationwide Regional Advisory Board meetings in order to educate local unions on the benefits
of drug-free workplace programs and to recruit participation in its IMPACT drug-testing program.
- OSHA and Drug-Free Workplace Alliance, the Laborers’ International Union of North America LIUNA
sponsored the following presentations and workshops that incorporated Alliance-related drug-free workplace messages:
- Two "Fitness for Duty" training sessions in Baltimore; MD, September 2006.
- "Drug-Free Workplaces and the Role of Medical Professionals" workshop at the
Laborers' Health and Safety Fund of North America (LHSFNA) Medical Conference; August 2006.
- "Job Safety Best Practices, Drug-Free Workplaces" workshop at the Supervisor/Foreman Safety Training; August 2006.
- "Alternative Specimen Drug Testing" workshop at the LIUNA National Convention in Las Vegas, NV; September 2006.
- OSHA and the Drug-Free Workplace Alliance developed the following educational material:
- Fast Facts – A pocket card that educates workers about the importance of working drug
free to safety, appropriate actions if they believe a co-worker is impaired on the job and
sources of help for those with alcohol and drug problems. (This piece is two-sided, with
English on one side and Spanish on the other.)
- First-Line Fact Sheet – A two-sided fact sheet addressing the supervisor's role
in enforcing a drug-free workplace policy and intervening in situations involving alcohol and drugs.
- Tool Box Talks – A series of five short scripts for supervisors to use to discuss the safety
hazards of alcohol and drug abuse with workers on construction sites.
- Spanish "Working Drug-Free Works" Posters – A Spanish translation of two signature Working
Partners posters. Featuring the slogan, "Working Drug-Free Works," one poster includes 12 photos
of individuals in a variety of working environments and the other includes four photos of individuals
in the construction industry.
Report prepared by: Sandra Khan, Safety and Occupational Health Specialist,
Office of Outreach Services and Alliances, October 21, 2008.
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