Summary Report of the U.S. Department of Transportation Conference on Drug Free Transportation Held at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois on July 23-24, 1987

摘要

Conference sessions dealt with elements of a successful drug and alcohol abuse prevention program, determining whether a drug problem exists, joint labor/management efforts in creating an effective drug policy, education and training programs in the workplace, the function of employee assistance programs, operation of employee-led and peer prevention programs, and establishing networks for drug prevention. The conferees noted that an effective drug prevention policy includes employee involvement in its development, usually incorporates an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and is clearly stated and communicated. Effective EAP's require top management support, labor/management accord on their existence and operation, administration by professional counselors and medical personnel, information and education on substance abuse and its effects, peer counseling and referral, and availability of services to family members. Operation Red Block, a labor-sponsored peer intervention program developed on the Union Pacific Railroad, is considered an outstanding example of private sector initiative in the area. Strong emphasis was also placed on proper training of supervisory personnel involved in prevention and intervention activities. There was much debate about the merits of random testing programs.