(A) The purpose of this policy is to assure worker fitness for duty and to protect our employees and passengers from the risk posed by use of alcohol and prohibited drugs.
(B) This policy complies with applicable law, including the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991, and associated U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Transit Administration regulations.
(C) Signs and symptoms. Except for odor, these are the general signs and symptoms of any depressant substance:
(1) Dulled mental processes: lack of coordination;
(2) Odor of alcohol on breath;
(3) Slurred speech;
(4) Possible constricted pupils;
(5) Slowed reaction time; and/or
(6) Sleepy or stuporous condition.
(D) Health effects. The chronic consumption of alcohol (average of three servings per day of beer [12 ounces], whiskey [1 ounce], or wine [6-ounce glass]) over time may result in the following associated health hazards:
(1) Fatal liver disease;
(2) Kidney disease, pancreatitis, ulcers;
(3) Increased cancers of the mouth, tongue, pharynx, esophagus, rectum, breast, and malignant melanoma;
(4) Spontaneous abortion and neonatal mortality;
(5) Birth defects (up to 54% of all birth defects are alcohol related);
(6) Decreased sexual functioning; and/or
(7) Dependency (up to 10% of people who drink alcohol become physically and/or mentally dependent upon alcohol and can be termed “alcoholic”).
(E) Annual toll.
(1) 24,000 people will die on the highway due to the legally impaired driver;
(2) 12,000 more will die on the highway due to an alcohol-affected driver;
(3) 15,800 will die in non-highway accidents;
(4) 30,000 will die due to alcohol-caused liver damage;
(5) 10,000 will die due to alcohol-induced brain disease or suicide; and
(6) Up to another 125,000 die due to alcohol- related conditions or accidents.
(F) Social issues.
(1) Two-thirds of all homicides are committed by people who drink prior to the crime;
(2) Alcoholics are 15 times more likely to commit suicide than other segments of the population;
(3) 2 to 3% of the driving population is legally drunk at one time (this rate is doubled at night and on weekends);
(4) Two-thirds of all Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related vehicle accident during their lifetime.
(5) The rate of separation and divorce is seven times the average in families with alcohol dependency problems;
(6) 40% of family court cases are alcohol problem-related; and
(7) More than 60% of burns, 40% of falls, 69% of boating accidents, and 76% of private aircraft accidents are alcohol-related.
(G) Workplace issues.
(1) It takes one hour for the average person (150 pounds) to process one serving of an alcoholic beverage from the body;
(2) Impairment in coordination and in judgment can be objectively measured with as little as two drinks in the body; and
(3) A person who is legally intoxicated is six times more likely to have an accident than a sober one.
(H) If you suspect a problem involving alcohol or drugs you may request confidential, professional help by calling the Employee Assistance Program Office at 954-435-6582 or by visiting the EAP at 501 NW 103 Avenue, Pembroke Pines.
(I) You may also call a substance abuse “hotline” number, such as the American Council on Alcoholism, 800-356-9996; National Institute on Drug Abuse, 800-662-HELP; National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, 800-NCA-CALL; Alcoholics Anonymous, 800-870-3795; United Way of Broward County, 954-467-6333; or any state or local substance abuse clearinghouse.
(Ord. 1399, passed 3-20-02)