Understanding and Managing Alcohol Use in the Workplace

Alcohol Use in the Workplace

Dr. Melissa Snider-Adler
MD, CCFP(AM), MRO (AAMRO), DABAM, FASAM, Chief Medical Review Officer, DriverCheck Inc. Physician, Addiction Medicine

Introduction

Alcohol use in the workplace is a critical issue that often goes unnoticed or is underestimated. Despite its legality and social acceptance, alcohol can significantly impact workplace safety, productivity, and overall employee well-being. This article delves into the complexities of alcohol use, its effects on fitness for duty, and strategies for managing alcohol-related issues in the workplace. By understanding these dynamics, employers and employees can create a safer, healthier work environment.

Main Points and Key Insights

The Interconnected Nature of Fitness for Duty

Fitness for duty encompasses various aspects, including physical, mental, and emotional health. Alcohol use can affect all these areas, leading to decreased performance and increased safety risks. It's essential to recognize that fitness for duty is not just about the absence of substances but also about overall well-being.

Secondary Effects of Alcohol

Even if employees do not come to work under the influence, the secondary effects of alcohol, such as poor sleep, increased anxiety, and depression, can impair their ability to perform their duties safely and effectively. These secondary effects can create a vicious cycle, where poor sleep leads to more alcohol consumption, further exacerbating mental health issues.

Statistics on Alcohol Use[i] [ii]

  • 77% of Canadians have consumed alcohol in the past year.

  • 30% of Canadians consume three or more drinks per week.

  • 15% of Canadians drink an average of one drink per day.

  • 35% of workers in Canada with an occupational injury, were at-risk drinkers.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic[iii]

The pandemic led to an increase in alcohol consumption, with more people drinking more frequently and in larger quantities. This increase has had lasting effects, with many individuals seeking help for alcohol use that escalated during this period.

Workplace Safety and Alcohol[iv]

Alcohol use is a significant factor in workplace accidents and injuries. Workers with alcohol problems are 2.7 times more likely to be involved in workplace incidents. Additionally, 16% of workers who suffer workplace injuries test positive for alcohol at the hospital, indicating that the actual number of alcohol-related incidents may be higher due to the time delay in testing.

New Alcohol Guidelines[v]

Recent guidelines have redefined low-risk alcohol use, emphasizing that no amount of alcohol is entirely safe from a health perspective. The guidelines categorize alcohol consumption into risk levels, with even one or two drinks per week increasing the risk of health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

Alcohol Testing in the Workplace

Breath alcohol tests are the gold standard for detecting alcohol impairment. However, other methods, such as oral fluid swabs and urine tests for ethanol and EtG (ethyl glucuronide, a metabolite of alcohol), can also be used in specific circumstances. EtG testing is particularly useful for monitoring abstinence in individuals with alcohol use disorders.

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is common and often goes unnoticed in the workplace. Many individuals with AUD are employed and may not exhibit obvious signs of impairment. This is due to the development of tolerance, where the body adapts to regular alcohol use, requiring larger amounts to achieve the same effect, making impairment less obvious to others. It's crucial to recognize that AUD can affect anyone and to provide support and resources for those struggling with alcohol use.

Conclusion

Addressing alcohol use in the workplace requires a comprehensive approach that includes education, testing, and support for employees. By understanding the risks and implementing effective management strategies, employers can create a safer, more productive work environment. Reducing the stigma associated with alcohol use disorder and encouraging open communication are key steps in helping employees seek the help they need.

Key Takeaways

  • Fitness for duty includes physical, mental, and emotional health, all of which can be affected by alcohol use.

  • Secondary effects of alcohol, such as poor sleep and increased anxiety, can impair workplace performance.

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased alcohol consumption, with lasting effects on individuals still seen today.

  • Alcohol use is a significant factor in workplace accidents and injuries.

  • New guidelines emphasize that no amount of alcohol is entirely safe from a health perspective.

  • Breath alcohol tests are the gold standard for detecting impairment, but other methods can be used in specific circumstances.

  • Alcohol use disorder is common and often goes unnoticed in the workplace.

  • Education, testing, and support are essential for managing alcohol use in the workplace.

By addressing these issues head-on, workplaces can foster a culture of safety and support, ensuring that all employees have the resources they need to thrive.

 


[i] https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/canadian-alcohol-drugs-survey/2019-summary.html#a2

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/daily-quotidien/241002/dq241002a-eng.pdf?st=WW8lPExu

[ii] https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2022/10/01/Alcohol-Is-Still.aspx

[iii] Shi Y, Macrae K, de Groh M, Thompson W, Stockwell T. Mortality and hospitalizations fully attributable to alcohol use before versus during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. CMAJ. 2025 Feb 2;197(4):E87-E95. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.241146. PMID: 39900361; PMCID: PMC11790301.

[iv] https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2022/10/01/Alcohol-Is-Still.aspx

[v] Paradis C, Butt P, Shield K, et al.; Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines Scientific Expert Panels. (2023). Canada's Guidance on Alcohol and Health: Final Report. Ottawa, Ont.: Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. 

Dr. Melissa Snider-Adler

MD, CCFP(AM), MRO (AAMRO), DABAM, FASAM, Chief Medical Review Officer, DriverCheck Inc. Physician, Addiction Medicine