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Impact of substance use on the Australian workforce

Journal: Journal of Addiction & Prevention (Vol.1, No. 2)

Publication Date:

Authors : ; ; ;

Page : 01-06

Keywords : Workforce; Workplace; Employee; Alcohol; Drugs; Intoxication; Abuse; Absenteeism;

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Abstract

Employee substance use may incur substantial costs to society and employers through decreased workplace productivity as well as increased employee turnover, absenteeism and worker stress [1-8]. The annual cost of reduced workplace productivity associated with alcohol and illicit drug use in Australia was estimated at approximately $5 billion in 2004 [6]. In addition to financial costs, substance use may increase the risk of occupational injury, or offsite injury leading to time off work, particularly in industries which may involve a greater frequency and severity of accidents such as the construction and mining industries [9]. Similarly, it has been shown that workplace alcohol use (defined as use during work or within two hours after, or prior to, work) is associated with an increased risk of workplace injury [1]. This risk of injury, however, may be partially explained by other problem workplace behaviours which are more frequently observed among workplace substance users compared with non-users, such as deviance, unprofessionalism and dishonesty.

Last modified: 2015-06-23 16:03:13