| Contraband such as drugs & alcohol in the | | | | guidelines and definitions of what drugs are or are |
| workplace can cost businesses an estimated $102 | | | | not allowed in the building. Specify company policy |
| billion a year in reduced and lost productivity, | | | | of cell phone use and that cell phones are |
| according to the most recent Labor Department | | | | prohibited. Create a "zero tolerance" policy |
| statistics. It has been estimated that one in every | | | | regarding weapons in your facility and have a |
| eight workers, ages 26 to 34, possesses, uses or | | | | forum to discuss this policy, consequences of |
| sells contraband on the job. | | | | breaking the policy and ways to report a |
| If employees are not bringing illegal substances to | | | | suspected violation. |
| work they will be more inclined to stay sober | | | | Based on your company policy you might want to |
| during shifts dramatically reducing work related | | | | search lockers or company property if you have |
| injuries and thus reducing lost work time and/or | | | | adequate suspicion that a policy may be violated. |
| workman's comp claims. | | | | Make sure that you include the proper signage |
| Potential crimes will be deterred including theft, | | | | such as "Lockers Subject to Search" and |
| drug use and/or sales. | | | | "Lockers are Company Property" in and around |
| Also, violent crimes that would involve weapons | | | | employee common areas & locker rooms. |
| such as guns or knives will also be reduced if | | | | Signs that state your policies on guns or weapons, |
| employees do not have anywhere to keep them. | | | | cell phones, search policies, drugs & alcohol clearly |
| Cell phones, although technically not contraband, | | | | communicate security practices at your facility. |
| should also remain outside the facility. Cell phones | | | | Signs are great deterrents and also make sure |
| allow the employee to make calls or create text | | | | those employees & visitors know not to bring a |
| messages out of the building where they cannot | | | | weapon, cell phones or drugs in the building. |
| be monitored by management, giving way to the | | | | Better promote health and safety as well as limit |
| freedom to conduct illegal or non-work related | | | | liability at your company by having recourse to |
| business on company time. | | | | take action against and discipline any employee |
| So now that we've determined that keeping | | | | who violates company policy regarding possession, |
| contraband and cell phones out of the workplace | | | | use, or sale of contraband in and around your |
| is a great idea, how do we achieve this? | | | | facility grounds. |
| - Create Polices | | | | Devise and follow a plan of action to protect your |
| - Post Indoor Security Signs | | | | business from contraband. With the proper |
| - Follow through with Penalties for offences | | | | processes in place you can easily safeguard your |
| Create a drug-free workplace with specific | | | | people & property. |