Did you know that, year after year, thePortuguese remain at the top of the list of largest consumers of wine per capita in the world?
It is important to involve companies, workers and civil society in general in order to raise awareness of the risks of this consumption.
Why is alcohol consumption a risk to health and safety at work?
According to the International Labor Organization, workers who consume alcohol..:
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They are more likely to have an accident at work;
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They tend to be absent from work more often;
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They tend to arrive at work later and leave earlier;
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They make more mistakes;
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They are more negligent and have a lower capacity for judgment;
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They are more likely to behave violently, get involved in conflicts and thefts and are more likely to be the target of complaints.
Difference between “Moderate consumption” and “Addiction”
Moderate drinking refers to a pattern of alcohol intake that is within socially acceptable limits and does not have a significant impact on a person’s physical or mental health or social relationships.
Addiction is a medical condition in which a person develops a physical and/or psychological dependence on alcohol.
In these cases, they develop tolerance and feel the need to increase the amount of alcohol consumed in order to feel the same effect and physical withdrawal when the alcohol is stopped.
What measures can be taken to prevent addictive behaviors?
In order to promote safety and health in the workplace, and specifically to reduce the likelihood of addictive behaviors, information and awareness-raising actions on the consumption of alcoholic beverages and other psychoactive substances should be promoted.
These actions should be drawn up after an organizational diagnosis and should be implemented with the help and participation of everyone in the company, with a subsequent evaluation of their effectiveness.
How should we deal with problems of psychoactive substance use in the workplace?
It is important to realize that the problems linked to the consumption of psychoactive substances in the workplace are considered health problems.
If a worker seeks help, they must not be discriminated against by their employer, and they are equally entitled to job security and the same promotion opportunities as their peers.
Can companies apply measures to control alcohol and other substances?
In what situations?
Yes, as long as there is a regulation and they are carried out under the responsibility of the occupational doctor and only in activities or professions that endanger the life or physical integrity of the worker or third parties.
The tests can also be applied to workers who request them.
SEPRI can help workers and companies deal with this always delicate and sensitive issue. Contact us.
Watch the informative video on alcohol consumption in the workplace here.
