Drug and Alcohol Use

It is WTRI's desire to provide a drug-free, healthful, and safe workplace. To promote this goal, employees are required to report to work in appropriate mental and physical condition to perform their jobs in a satisfactory manner.

While on WTRI premises and while conducting business-related activities off WTRI premises, no employee may use, possess, distribute, sell, or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. The legal use of prescribed drugs is permitted on the job only if it does not impair an employee's ability to perform the essential functions of the job effectively and in a safe manner that does not endanger other individuals in the workplace.

Violations of this policy may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including immediate termination of employment, and/or required participation in a substance abuse rehabilitation or treatment program. Such violations may also have legal consequences.

To inform employees about important provisions of this policy, WTRI has established a drug-free awareness program. The program provides information on the dangers and effects of substance abuse in the workplace, resources available to employees, and consequences for violations of this policy.

Employees with drug or alcohol problems that have not resulted in, and are not the immediate subject of, disciplinary action may request approval to take unpaid time off to participate in a rehabilitation or treatment program. Leave may be granted if the employee agrees to abstain from use of the problem substance; abides by all WTRI policies, rules, and prohibitions relating to conduct in the workplace; and if granting the leave will not cause WTRI any undue hardship.

Under the Drug-Free Workplace Act, an employee who performs work for a government contract or grant must notify WTRI of a criminal conviction for drug-related activity occurring in the workplace. The report must be made within five days of the conviction.

All WTRI employees must comply with the requirements of the appicable client of WTRI.

Policy No.  702  Issued  12/1/1996  Applicable  9/18/1998