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OSHA and the Drug-Free Workplace Alliance
Signatories:
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy's Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace
American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA)
Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)
International Association of Bridge, Structural Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers (IABSORIW)
International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers (IAHFIAW)
International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB)
International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE)
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT)
Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA)
National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA)
Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC & RA)
TAUC – The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC)
United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UAJAPPFI)
United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBCJA)
Close-out Report
October 21, 2008

On October 12, 2004, OSHA and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy's Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-free Workplace Program (Working Partners) and the International Association of Bridge, Structural Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers (IABSORIW), the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB), the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBCJA) formed an Alliance to provide members of the construction industry with information, guidance and access to training resources regarding the benefits of drug-free workplace programs and protect employees' health and safety. The organizations particularly focus on educating workers on safety and productivity hazards created by the abuse of alcohol and other drugs in the workplace. An addendum was signed on July 10, 2006 that added the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA); Associated General Contractors of America (AGC); International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers (IAHFIAW); International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT); Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA); National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA); the Association of Union Constructors (NEA), Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC & RA); and United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UAJAPPFI) and the Alliance was renewed on October 19, 2006 for an additional two years.

Based on discussions regarding the future of the Alliance, OSHA and the Drug-Free Workplace Alliance agreed to conclude the Alliance as of October 12, 2008. A number of successes resulted from the organizations working together to meet the Alliance’s goals, including:
  • OSHA and the Drug-Free Workplace Alliance promoted the Justice Department's National Methamphetamine Awareness Day on November 27, 2006. Through the Alliance a slide presentation entitled, "Methamphetamine in the Workplace,” was developed and distributed the Alliance members and was posted on the Working Partners Web page on the DOL Web site.


  • The Drug Free Workplace Alliance signatories, in collaboration with the Department of Labor (DOL) and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, helped to establish the DOL's Drug-Free Work Week. The Drug-Free Work Week is held annually in October and is a public awareness campaign intended to highlight the fact that being drug free is key to protecting workplace safety and health and to encourage workers with alcohol and drug problems to seek help.


  • During the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) Safety Boot Camp in Las Vegas, Nevada, ARTBA delivered an educational presentation on drug-free workplace issues.


  • On December 4, 2008, the Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) presented information on the Drug-Free Workplace Alliance at the TAUC Local Employer meeting.


  • Elena Carr, Drug Policy Coordinator and Director, Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace Program, DOL presented, "Drug-Free Work Week: DOL Tools and Tips for a Successful Campaign," during the 2006 and 2007 Substance Abuse Program Administrators Association (SAPAA) Annual Conference.


  • The International Association of Bridge, Structural Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers (IABSORI) delivered nine presentations at nationwide Regional Advisory Board meetings in order to educate local unions on the benefits of drug-free workplace programs and to recruit participation in its IMPACT drug-testing program.


  • OSHA and Drug-Free Workplace Alliance, the Laborers’ International Union of North America LIUNA sponsored the following presentations and workshops that incorporated Alliance-related drug-free workplace messages:

    • Two "Fitness for Duty" training sessions in Baltimore; MD, September 2006.


    • "Drug-Free Workplaces and the Role of Medical Professionals" workshop at the Laborers' Health and Safety Fund of North America (LHSFNA) Medical Conference; August 2006.


    • "Job Safety Best Practices, Drug-Free Workplaces" workshop at the Supervisor/Foreman Safety Training; August 2006.


    • "Alternative Specimen Drug Testing" workshop at the LIUNA National Convention in Las Vegas, NV; September 2006.
  • OSHA and the Drug-Free Workplace Alliance developed the following educational material:

    • Fast Facts – A pocket card that educates workers about the importance of working drug free to safety, appropriate actions if they believe a co-worker is impaired on the job and sources of help for those with alcohol and drug problems. (This piece is two-sided, with English on one side and Spanish on the other.)


    • First-Line Fact Sheet – A two-sided fact sheet addressing the supervisor's role in enforcing a drug-free workplace policy and intervening in situations involving alcohol and drugs.


    • Tool Box Talks – A series of five short scripts for supervisors to use to discuss the safety hazards of alcohol and drug abuse with workers on construction sites.


    • Spanish "Working Drug-Free Works" Posters – A Spanish translation of two signature Working Partners posters. Featuring the slogan, "Working Drug-Free Works," one poster includes 12 photos of individuals in a variety of working environments and the other includes four photos of individuals in the construction industry.

Report prepared by: Sandra Khan, Safety and Occupational Health Specialist, Office of Outreach Services and Alliances, October 21, 2008.