NSC Alcohol, Drugs and Impairment Division news

RSS

North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany — Up to half of individuals whose breath alcohol concentration is over the legal limit to operate a vehicle may overestimate their ability to drive, which could trigger “devastating consequences,” according to a recent study out of England and Germany.

New York — More than six months after New York legalized recreational use of marijuana, the state’s department of labor has published a guidance document intended to help employers navigate the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act.

Elk Grove Village, IL — The American Medical Association, along with more than two dozen other organizations, has issued a list of recommendations to help end the nation’s epidemic of drug-related overdose and death.

Itasca, IL — Concerned about an unprecedented surge in drug overdose deaths reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Safety Council is repeating its call to employers to protect workers from opioid misuse and impairment in the workplace.

Boston — The rate of opioid-related overdose deaths among Massachusetts workers in 2016 and 2017 rose 83.7% over the previous five-year period, with construction and agricultural occupations experiencing dramatic jumps, according to a recent report from the state’s Department of Public Health.

Perth, Australia — It’s “imperative” that employers try to improve work shift scheduling so workers can get adequate sleep, researchers from Edith Cowan University say after their recent study of mine workers in Australia.

Itasca, IL — A new e-learning course from the National Safety Council is intended to help supervisors and safety professionals recognize and respond to perceived impairment in the workplace.

Itasca, IL — In light of recently released survey results that reveal significant gaps in knowledge between employees and employers about the safety risks posed by cannabis use in the workplace, the National Safety Council is calling on business leaders to do more to educate and protect their workers.

Washington — NIOSH has released a video intended to boost awareness of Workplace Supported Recovery programs, which provide resources for workers and employers affected by the ongoing opioid epidemic and other substance misuse disorders.

Cambridge, MA — Certain programs and policies may help curb the excessive prescribing of opioids and potential misuse, results of a recent study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute suggest.