WASC October 2022 - Substance Use Recovery & Workplace Safety Program

The nation's substance use epidemic touches us all, including the business community. Employers have jobs to fill but hesitate to hire workers with a drug-use history. Workers recovering from addiction want to work but aren't given the chance. Other workers might be addicted, but go undetected, putting workplace safety at risk.

During our October Safety Council meeting, Lorrie Goodnight, of the Ohio BWC, will be presenting on the Substance Use Recovery and Workplace Safety Program.

Attendees will learn about:

• The difficulties workers recovering from addiction face as they seek employment

• Workplace safety concerns of employees struggling with undetected substance abuse issues

• The benefits provided to employers by the BWC’s Substance Use Recovery & Workplace Safety Program.

In partnership with participating county Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health (ADAMH) boards, this program provides funding to help employers more effectively manage substance use issues in their workplace. Eligible employers can enroll in the program and get reimbursement for: 

• Development and legal review of employer policies and procedures about substance use issues

• Training for employees to understand substance use and their employer’s related policies

• Training to equip supervisors and managers to better manage employees in recovery

• Drug testing for prospective and current employees for those employers with recovery-friendly “second chance” testing policies

• Access to a free employee wellness incentive program

Lorrie, a Business Consultant for the BWC, works with employers to implement proven risk-management strategies through various cost-control programs. Lorrie joined BWC in 1994 as a regional administrative manager, responsible for human resources, fiscal claims, automation, and labor and real estate functions in the Northeast Region. Prior to joining BWC, Lorrie served as personnel manager for the Village of St. Edwards and had previous personnel management experience with a Texas construction company. Lorrie is a graduate of Kent State University with majors in both business administration and personnel management and industrial relations.