§ 34-33. Overview of the policy.

(a)

The alcohol and controlled substance policy of the county is made up of two separate but interrelated programs:

(1)

An employee awareness/supervisor training program.

(2)

An alcohol and controlled substances screening test program.

(b)

The alcohol and controlled substance policy was developed to prevent the illicit use of alcohol or controlled substances by county employees, without violating the legal rights of those employees.

(c)

The alcohol and controlled substance policy has four primary goals. These are to:

(1)

Prevent the abuse of alcohol and controlled substances by county employees;

(2)

Combat the abuse of alcohol and controlled substances in a way that is cost effective;

(3)

Clearly communicate the position of the board of commissioners regarding the abuse of alcohol and controlled substances; and

(4)

Provide a legal means of employee control.

a.

Prevention. It is universally accepted that alcohol and controlled substance abuse is destructive. Yet many individuals start or continue these habits because they lack reliable information about the devastating effects of alcohol and controlled substance abuse. The alcohol and controlled substance policy seeks to educate employees about the facts behind substance abuse so that they can see the potential effects of this behavior. This should help prevent employees from developing alcohol or controlled substance-related problems. The policy also seeks to educate and motivate the nonusing coworkers so that they will encourage employees with alcohol or controlled substance related problems to seek help. The policy also seeks to communicate to the employees the fact that the board of commissioners is concerned about alcohol and controlled substance abuse among its employees, and that the board of commissioners will do everything within its power to prevent such abuse.

b.

Cost effectiveness. Although alcohol and controlled substance abuse is recognized primarily for its human costs, the economic costs associated with the problem are also unacceptable. Properly instituted, the alcohol and controlled substance policy will increase worker productivity and decrease absenteeism, accidents and health care costs. Since generally the workers affected by the policy are in safety-sensitive positions, the policy will also help decrease the chances of the county being held legally liable for acts committed by an impaired employee. Finally, the policy should improve employee retention rates, thereby lowering employee turnover costs such as hiring and training new employees to replace those who have quit or have been terminated due to alcohol or controlled substance abuse.

c.

Clear communication of the county's position. The alcohol and controlled substance policy seeks to effectively communicate to each employee and the general public the position that alcohol and controlled substance abuse will not be tolerated among employees of the county. Employee awareness of this position and the mechanisms to enforce this position should act as a deterrent to substance abuse. Additionally, awareness on the part of employees may encourage those who believe they might have a problem to seek assistance. Awareness of the provisions of the policy should lead to greater compliance with the policy by all employees. Furthermore, publicity about the policy should act to increase public respect for the employees of the county. Implementing such a policy reassures the citizens that county employees are not entitled to a double standard, that they do, in fact, obey the law, and that they will continue to serve as role models for citizens of all ages. The policy will also reassure the public that county services paid for by tax dollars are the safest and most effective services available.

d.

Legal method of control. It is necessary for the county to control its employees, as it may be held liable for injuries to coworkers or the public caused by impaired employees. At the same time, county employees have rights that need to be protected. The policy balances these two interests, by stating precisely what is expected of the employees as well as explaining what will happen should a violation of the policy occur.

(Ord. of 8-8-1995(2), § 2)

State Constitution reference— Authority of general assembly to waive immunity of counties by law, Ga. Const. art. IX, § II, ¶ IX.

State law reference

Motor vehicle accident reparations, O.C.G.A. § 33-34-1 et seq.