Prevention through information, education and training programmes

• Pages: 14-15

14

6. Prevention through information, education and

training programmes

6.1. Effects of alcohol and drugs

6.1.1. Information, education and training programmes concerning alcohol and

drugs should be undertaken to promote safety and health in the workplace either by the

employer, the employer in cooperation with workers and their representatives, or by

workers' organizations alone. Such programmes should be directed at all workers, and

should contain information on the physical and psychological effects of alcohol and

drug use (see Appendix III).

6.2. Information about the working environment

6.2.1. Information, education and training programmes concerning alcohol and

drugs should include the following information with respect to the working

environment and be directed at all workers:

(a) the laws and regulations covering alcohol and drugs which have general

application, as well as those which are specific to the workplace;

(b) information pertaining to alcohol- and drug-related problems, provided, however,

that individual confidentiality is respected;

(c) suggested measures to prevent such problems from occurring;

(d) services available to assist workers with alcohol- and drug-related problems, both

within and outside of the enterprise, including information concerning assessment

and referral services, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation programmes, as well

as health insurance coverage for such services.

6.3. Training for supervisors and managers

6.3.1. In addition to participating in the information, education and training

programmes that are directed at all workers, supervisory and managerial personnel

should receive supplementary training to enable them:

(a) to identify changes in individual workplace performance and behaviour which may

indicate that the services of an employee assistance programme (EAP) or health

professional might be useful and give information on these services to the worker;

(b) to explain and respond to questions about the enterprise's policy regarding alcohol

and drugs;

(c) to support a recovering worker's needs and monitor his or her performance, when

the person returns to work;