[DavidFR]

I'd like to ask other OH nurses how your department deals with people found intoxicated at work.
Do you view this as purely a disciplinary matter, hence nothing to do with the OH service? Or do you view the drunken worker as medically inapt, hence the role of the OH department is to intervene?

What do you actually do in the case of a worker clearly under the influence? Who has established policies in place regarding alcohol at work?

[sharrie]

I'm not an OH nurse but as a nurse manager am aware of the procedures. We have a policy for dealing with drugs and alcohol influence in the workplace, any staff member who is felt to be under the influence is automatically sent to OH. If they refuse then this is dealt with under a disciplinary policy and investigated. It may or may not lead to dismissal dependant on if they accept they may need help.

OH then have guidance and the staff member is given strict conditions to adhere to in order to avoid disciplinary action.

We also use sick leave and annual leave to help support a staff member who may have a problem cope and deal with the conditions

[SaderNurse05]

If an employee meets the requirements of "reasonable suspicion" they are brought to EHS. We do a drug sceen and a breath ETOH. If they refuse they are put on admin leave and terminated ASAP. If they show any substance abuse, same thing. If they contact us and ask for help with an addiction, we find a program that suits their needs and as long as they comply with the program and pass random screenings for one year they keep their jobs. Hope this helps.

[Goodrich]

Since our workplace has a drug program and I also coordinate that and some of our positions are FAA/DOT regulated, this does fall under my title of Health and Safety Specialist (I am an RN also).

To me this is a safety issue and effects the health of both the employee is is drinking and those around him/her