|
Drug Free Workplace Program (DFWP) |
|
|
|
The Drug-Free Workplace Program (DFWP) is an incentive program designed to help employers establish a safer and more cost-effective workplace. DFWP employers detect and deter substance use and misuse, and take the appropriate corrective action. BWC's DFWP defines substance use and misuse as the use of alcohol and other drugs, including prescription, over-the-counter and illegal drugs, in the workplace, which violates the employer's written DFWP policy. You can receive technical support from BWC, and you may be eligible for 10-percent to 20-percent discounts on your workers' compensation premiums for up to five years. Even if you do not qualify for the discount, you will benefit from establishing a substance-free environment for your employees. The DFWP will help you create a safer, more productive workplace environment and reduce your workers' compensation costs in the long term. 47 percent of serious workplace accidents and 40 percent of fatal workplace accidents have drug and/or alcohol involvement (Occupational Medicine); 38 percent to 50 percent of all workers’ compensation claims are related to alcohol or drug abuse in the workplace (National Council on Compensation Insurance); More than 90 percent of alcohol users and 74 percent of drug abusers are employed (National Institute on Drug Abuse, Department of Health & Human Services); An average of 15 percent to 17 percent of employees in every U.S. company are substance abusers (Bureau of Labor Statistics); 40 percent of the time a substance user causes an accident, a coworker is injured (Occupational Medicine).
Employers who implement the DFWP will provide greater protection for all employees, increase productivity, decrease accidents and the severity of accidents, reduce workers’ compensation costs and use of medical benefits by substance users and protect the employer’s bottom line. Click here to learn more about the DFWP.
|
