Widespread Participation Makes First Drug-Free Work Week a Success

The first-ever Drug-Free Work Week (October 16-22, 2006) was a big success, with organizations across the country implementing innovative ideas to help reinforce to workers the importance of being drug free to improving workplace safety and health.

Drug-Free Work Week was a collaborative effort led by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the members of its Drug-Free Workplace Alliance, a cooperative program focused on improving safety and health in the construction and mining industries through drug-free workplace programs.  Alliance members helped with the distribution of Drug-Free Work Week materials, published articles in their member publications, and helped facilitate local-level training and educational activities.   During the week, they also convened at DOL’s National Office to renew the Alliance agreement and set priorities for the coming year. 

Employers and employees in all industries, not just construction and mining, were also invited—and answered the call—to participate in Drug-Free Work Week.  Individual organizations conducted a range of activities, ranging from simple, such as putting up a workplace display, to more comprehensive, such as implementing a drug-free workplace program. 

In support of Drug-Free Work Week, President George W. Bush issued an official Presidential Message recognizing the week and the important role drug-free workplaces play in reducing alcohol and drug abuse in communities nationwide.  Also, a webcast about the issue was hosted by DOL’s Office of Disability Employment Policy’s Job Accommodation Network. 

Many of the activities organized by individual organizations in support of Drug-Free Work Week represent ways to promote safer, healthier workplaces and can actually be implemented at any time of the year.  To learn more, visit the Working Partners Web site’s Drug-Free Work Week Web page. 

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