Workplaces and Substance Use: Safety-Sensitive Positions – Stigma

Illustrates key context and data on stigma related to substance use by individuals in safety-sensitive positions (positions that pose potential risks to self, co-workers, the public or the environment). Information is based on input from a national study about workplace policies and practices related to substance use and working in various industries. This infographic is part of the Workplaces and Substance Use series.

Three key points of interest you will find in the document:

• 1 in 4 (25%) people working in safety-sensitive positions reported consuming alcohol or drugs two hours before or during work, or were hungover or felt high at work.
• About half of workers and managers reported hiding their use because they:
  • Worried that they would lose their job or be suspended,
  • Worried what other workers would think of them, or
  • Thought their workplace policies or procedures discriminated or stigmatized against people who might have alcohol or drug use issues.
• Information on how to obtain training to improve approaches on managing substance risks within an organization.