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The first-ever Drug-Free Work Week
(October 16-22, 2006) was a big success, with organizations across
the country implementing innovative ideas to help reinforce to
workers the importance of being drug free to improving workplace
safety and health.
Drug-Free Work Week was a collaborative
effort led by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the members of its
Drug-Free Workplace Alliance, a cooperative program focused on improving
safety and health in the construction and mining industries through
drug-free workplace programs. Alliance members helped with the
distribution of Drug-Free Work Week materials, published articles in
their member publications, and helped facilitate local-level training
and educational activities. During the week, they also convened at
DOL’s National Office to renew the Alliance agreement and set priorities
for the coming year.
Employers and employees in all industries, not just
construction and mining, were also invited—and answered the call—to
participate in Drug-Free Work Week. Individual organizations
conducted a range of activities, ranging from simple, such as putting up
a workplace display, to more comprehensive, such as implementing a
drug-free workplace program.
In support of Drug-Free Work Week, President George
W. Bush issued an official
Presidential Message recognizing the week and the important role
drug-free workplaces play in reducing alcohol and drug abuse in
communities nationwide. Also, a
webcast about the issue was hosted by DOL’s Office of Disability
Employment Policy’s Job Accommodation Network.
Many of the activities organized by individual
organizations in support of Drug-Free Work Week represent ways to
promote safer, healthier workplaces and can actually be implemented at
any time of the year. To learn more, visit the Working Partners Web
site’s
Drug-Free Work Week Web page.
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