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OPA News Release: [12/1/2004]
Contact Name: Jane Norris or Peggy Abrahamson
Phone Number: 202-693-4676 or x5052

Department of Labor Encourages Employers to Send a Safe and Sober Message about Workplace Parties this Holiday Season

WASHINGTON—The Department of Labor's Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace program has a special Web page that addresses steps employers can take during the holiday season and all year round to prevent impaired driving in their communities and send their employees a message about workplace parties, drinking and staying sober and safe.

During the holiday season, employees and employers often get together to unwind and celebrate. These parties typically mean lots of music, food and drinks. If the drinks include alcohol, however, workplace celebrations can have very unfortunate consequences. By visiting www.dol.gov/workingpartners and selecting “Impaired Driving” under “Special Issues,” employers can learn about several measures they can take to minimize potential negative repercussions of alcohol consumption including tips for planning workplace celebrations.

“Employers have the power to play an important role in making their communities safer for their friends and families by adopting measures to help prevent impaired driving following holiday parties or other celebrations,” said Elena Carr, director of the department's Working Partners program.

The site also includes information about holiday-season and year-round impaired driving prevention initiatives; alcohol traffic safety facts; myths and facts about alcohol and driving; and information about Driving Under the Influence (DUI)/Driving While Intoxicated (DWI); and other impaired driving laws.

The Department's Working Partners initiative raises awareness about the impact drugs and alcohol have on the workplace and provides information on how to establish drug-free workplace programs that protect worker safety and health. All Working Partners tools and resources—including information about how to develop a drug-free workplace policy and ready-to-use training materials—are available online at www.dol.gov/workingpartners.

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