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OPA News Release: [11/30/2005]
Contact Name: Lorette Post
Phone Number: (202) 693-5052
Release Number: 05-2214-NAT

Department of Labor Encourages Employers to Adopt A Safe and Sober Approach to Workplace Parties this Holiday Season

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Labor's Working Partners for an Alcohol-and Drug-Free Workplace program is encouraging employers to take steps during the holiday season and all year round to prevent impaired driving and send their employees a safe and sober message about workplace parties and drinking.

During the holidays, 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 unfortunate consequences. Employers can learn ways to minimize potential repercussions of alcohol consumption, including tips for planning workplace celebrations, by visiting DOL's Working Partners Web site at http://www.dol.gov/asp/programs/drugs/workingpartners/sp_iss/idhome.asp.

“Employers can play a powerful role in making their communities safer by helping to prevent impaired driving after holiday parties or other workplace 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 state-specific information about laws on d riving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI).

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

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