(New Port Richey, FL) January 4, 2016 — According to a report issued by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), substance and alcohol abuse has been negatively affecting key U.S. industries by way of lost productivity, workplace accidents and injuries, absenteeism, low morale and illness. A key finding of the report was that the mining and construction industries had far and away the highest rates of abuse, even when relativized for gender and age across other industries. (1)

The mining industry is depended upon by numerous industries worldwide not just for coal (a leading global energy source), but increasingly also by the high-tech industries' total dependence upon rare earths for consumer electronics, computers and networks, communications, clean energy, advanced transportation, healthcare, environmental mitigation and much more.

The United States is the second-largest construction market worldwide, with a 10% share and over 8 million workers. In the U.S., private construction spending reached about $687 billion in 2014. (2)
There is no denying that mining and construction work is inherently dangerous, stressful and physically demanding. As a result, the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 gives the right to (but does not require) employers to establish drug-testing policies and to have workers submit to drug and alcohol testing. The 1991 Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act requires transportation industry employers who have employees in "safety-sensitive" positions, such as commercial drivers, to have drug-free workplace programs, and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) enforces this act. But labor and employment laws that relate to substance abuse policy for construction employers can vary from state to state.

Will Wesch, Director of Admissions for Novus Medical Detox Center, says it's important for every industry—and particularly those with high-risk occupations—to be vigilant against alcohol and drug abuse. As the Director of Admissions, he sees people from all occupations coming to the center to get their lives back. "Drug testing is not an issue of invading one's privacy rights. It's a matter of creating and maintaining a safe working culture for everyone involved. Alcohol and/or drug abuse in a heavy machinery environment is simply suicidal."

The United States Department of Labor reports that over the past 10 years, 15% of construction workers admitted to using illicit drugs, and 18% admitted to heavy alcohol consumption.

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