Construction

Drugs and Construction Sites Don't Mix: Staying Sober to Save Lives, Prevent Injuries

May 17, 2012

A new nationwide effort working to help the construction industry remain drug- and alcohol-free has an important message: Drugs and construction sites don't mix.

Laura Walter

The initiative to keep construction workers sober and safe is led by the Construction Coalition for a Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace (CCDAFW), a coalition of five of the nation's largest construction trade associations: Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT), Construction Users' Roundtable (CURT) and Women Construction Owners & Executives (WCOE).

Together, these associations are urging construction firms and organizations to sign an online pledge promising they will create and maintain a workplace free from substance abuse.

"Drugs and construction sites do not mix," said WCOE National Executive Director Penny Pompei. "Small businesses often don't have the resources to develop in-depth substance abuse awareness and prevention programs. This coordinated effort by a group of construction industry organizations will provide the tools WCOE's small business owners need to combat this danger to our workers."

The coalition will provide the resources employers and companies need to implement drug and alcohol policies in the workplace. The CCDAFW Web site includes educational materials and state-by-state policies for substance abuse testing.

"This partnership will build on the significant steps firms across the country have already taken to make construction safer today than it has ever been," said AGC CEO Stephen E. Sandherr. "Making sure that every construction worker on every construction site is fully in control and absolutely sober is the best way to save lives and prevent injuries."

To learn more, visit the Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace site.

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.