Substance Abuse in Construction

Abstract

A survey was conducted on contractors, labor union officials, owners, and designers to gather data on the extent and cost of substance abuse in the engineering and construction industry. Approximately 10% of the persons in this industry are perceived as having substance abuse problems with a resulting cost to the industry of approximately $10 billion. Alcohol is the primary problem followed by marijuana and cocaine. The respondents perceive the substance abuse problem to be greater in the industry as a whole than it is in their particular firms. Drug testing is becoming more prevalent, particularly for pre‐employment situations. Employee assistance programs are being developed to help workers get help to overcome their problem. Many employers still have the attitude of identify the abusers and terminate them.