Welcome to Alcohol & Other Drugs, Policy #1.05 for Employees.
This training module is designed for all Commonwealth of Virginia employees.
The purpose of this training is to familiarize you with
the Department of Human Resource Management's Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy, #1.05
By the end of the module, you will be able to recognize policy violations
identify employee's responsibilities, and name available resources for help.
It is the Commonwealth's objective to establish and maintain a work environment free from
the adverse effects of alcohol and other drugs.The effects of alcohol and other drugs in the workplace
could undermine the productivity of the workforce, one of Virginia's greatest assets,
and can create a serious threat to the welfare of fellow employees and Virginia citizens.
The Commonwealth, therefore, adopts Policy #1.05 to address alcohol and other drugs problems in the place.
Let's look at the policy in a little more detail.
The use of alcohol and other drugs by employees interferes with the productivity of the whole work unit.
Therefore, the policy attempts to eliminate the negative affects of alcohol
and other drugs in the workplace by prohibiting certain behaviors:
Unlawful or unauthorized manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of alcohol or other drugs in the workplace,
Impairment in the workplace from alcohol or other drugs, except from the use of drugs for legitimate medical purposes;
Criminal conviction for a violation of any criminal drug law, based upon conduct occurring either on or off the workplace,
or violation of any alcohol beverage control law or law that governs driving while intoxicated,
based upon conduct occurring in the workplace; and, an employee's failure to report to his or her supervisor
the employee's conviction for any offense required to be reported by the policy.
Any employee who commits any violation, as described in the previous slide, shall be subject to the full range of
disciplinary actions, including counseling, written notices, or even discharge from employment,
based on appropriate disciplinary policies, such as the Standards of Conduct, Policy 1.60.
How harsh or severe the disciplinary action is for violations of this policy shall be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Mitigating circumstances are conditions that may reduce the level of the corrective action.
Such circumstances that may be considered in determining the appropriate discipline include whether
the employee voluntarily admits to, and seeks assistance for, an alcohol or other drug problem.
It is the employee's responsibility to abide by the Commonwealth of Virginia's Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs, and related disciplinary policies.
It is also the employee's responsibility to notify his/her supervisor of any conviction of a criminal drug law,
based on conduct occurring in or outside of the workplace;
or an alcohol beverage control law or law that governs driving while intoxicated, based on conduct occurring in the workplace.
Notification of a conviction must by made in writing and delivered no later than five calendar days after such a conviction.
An employee's appeal of a conviction does not affect the employee's obligation to report the conviction.
The Employee Assistance Program, or EAP, is a confidential assessment, referral,
and short-term problem solving service available to eligible employees and family members.
Enrollment in the EAP is automatic as part of the health plan coverage.
The EAP helps participants deal with problems affecting personal and work life
such as conflicts within the family and workplace, personal and emotional concerns,
alcohol and substance abuse, financial and legal problems, elder and child care,
career concerns and other challenges.
Employees with problems related to the use of alcohol or other drugs are encouraged to seek counseling or other treatment.
Management is encouraged to assist employees and should consult with the Employee Assistance Program
before referring an eligible employee to a rehabilitation program.
Eligible employees are encouraged to consult with the EAP to determine appropriate rehabilitation programs.
The EAP can provide information regarding health insurance coverage for rehabilitation programs.
Not all programs are licensed, accredited, or covered under the employees' health insurance coverage.
Employees may contact other agencies for assistance, such as the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services;
the Department of Health; the Department of Rehabilitative Services; and/or Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy.
At the discretion of management, employees may be granted leave from work
to participate in treatment programs for alcohol and/or other drug use problems.
Employees participating in the Traditional Sick Leave Program can use their leave,
including sick leave, for attendance in a requested or required rehabilitation program.
At the discretion of management, a conditional or unconditional leave without pay can be authorized if in-patient treatment is needed.
Employees enrolled in the Virginia Sickness & Disability Program, or VSDP,
must coordinate their attendance in a requested or required rehabilitation program
with the third party administrator, according to program guidelines.
Covered under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA,
are employees who are recovering alcoholics and those who have completed a drug rehabilitation program.
All information related to convictions for drug or alcohol violations, disciplinary actions taken and/or participation
in rehabilitation programs, or the employee's progress during rehabilitation must be maintained confidential.
This information should not be discussed with others, except those who must know,
such as Human Resources, in order to appropriately address the situation.
In summary, it is the Commonwealth's objective to establish and maintain a work environment free
from the adverse effects of alcohol and other drugs.
The Alcohol & Other Drug Policy # 1.05 addresses alcohol and drug related problems and what to do about them.
Policy violations could be: the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of these substances
in the workplace; impairment from these substances in the workplace; criminal convictions
and failure to report convictions related to alcohol and drugs.
Employees are responsible for abiding by the policy and reporting any convictions to their supervisor within 5 days.
There is an Employee Assistance Program that can help with all kinds of problems
and that can suggest rehabilitation programs for employees dealing with alcohol or drug-related issues.
Supervisors and employees may contact other agencies for assistance, such as the Department of Mental Health,
Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services; the Department of Health; the Department of
Rehabilitative Services; and/or the Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy.
There is no audio on this slide.
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