Nearly 75 percent of all illegal drug users are employed in full- or part-time jobs. To help employers and employees combat the challenges, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) launched a new web site drugfreeworkplace.gov to increase access to information on creating drug free workplaces.

"Whether you are a corporate CEO or a small business owner, you can take simple, low-cost steps to reduce substance abuse and increase workplace safety and productivity," Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson said. "Investing in a drug-free workplace pays real dividends for employees and their families as well as businesses."

"Workers who use illicit drugs take more unexcused absences, change jobs more often, and are more likely to quit or be fired than those who do not use drugs," said SAMHSA Acting Administrator Joseph H. Autry III, M.D. "One of the most effective measures an employer can take to reduce drug abuse on the job is to implement a comprehensive drug-free workplace program. We are pleased to make this new tool available to assist workplaces big and small."

The web site, named the Workplace Resource Center, is operated by SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP). "The web site contains searchable resources and links on how to establish and maintain an effective, comprehensive drug-free workplace program, including drug testing guidelines that govern federally regulated employees, guidance for Medical Review Officers, related laws and regulations, the latest research findings and related information on Employee Assistance Programs," said CSAP Director Ruth Sanchez-Way, Ph.D.

Some of the web site features include:

An organized and searchable database of all of the Department of Health and Human Services technical drug testing guidance including the Current List of Laboratories that meet minimum standards to engage in urine drug testing for federal agencies. In many cases, the guidance also applies to the industries regulated by the Department of Transportation and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

An overview of the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Program as it applies to agencies in the Executive Branch - This section provides background information and policy guidance, as well as links to several other federal agency web sites containing related information.

Comprehensive program guidance developed by CSAP on the design, implementation, and maintenance of a drug-free workplace program, including special guidance for small employers, and guidance from other federal sources.

Answers to commonly asked questions of employers wanting to establish a drug-free workplace program, including "Can I legally require my employees to take a drug test?" and "What is considered an ideal policy for an employer to adopt in order to deal with substance abuse problems in the workplace?"

Access to CSAP's Workplace Helpline - phone: (800) 967-5752 or E-mail at helpline@samhsa.gov) through which employers can receive consultation that is free to them on how to address substance abuse in their workplace. Assistance, including examples and "models," is provided to help employers develop and implement a comprehensive written policy that includes access to employee assistance program services, supervisor training, employee education, drug-testing and other effective no- or low-cost initiatives designed to reduce or eliminate the substance abuse problems and help ensure safe and healthy workplaces. Publications related to drug-free workplace programs are also available by phone from SAMHSA's National Clearinghouse for Drug and Alcohol Information at (800) 729-6686.

Multi-media Briefings that include online video clips and electronic slide presentations with researchers, practitioners, health-care providers and government administrators on how to manage and evaluate workplace substance abuse prevention programs.

Workplace Resources in Spanish.

The on-line Workplace Resource Center is managed by CSAP's Division of Workplace Programs (DWP). DWP provides oversight of the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Program, an initiative aimed at eliminating illicit drug use in the federal workforce, as mandated by Executive Order and public law. DWP also provides oversight for the National Laboratory Certification Program, an organization that sets quality assurance standards and certifies and inspects laboratories that analyze drug tests of federal employees and employees of federally regulated industries.