Approaches to the alcohol problem in the workplace

The main problem areas posed by either alcohol or alcoholism in the workplace are identified as alcohol-related accidents, reduced work performance and loss of working time. In addition to the heavy costs of these problems for industry, it is suggested that a further and generally ignored burden comes from the premature death in middle life of alcoholics who will include a disproportionately large number of top management and more skilled employees. A comparison with the history of alcohol-related road traffic accidents suggests that there is scope for large savings from an effective campaign to reduce the incidence of alcohol-related problems in the workplace. An outline is given of the managerial steps involved in setting up and running a company alcohol programme and North American and early U.K. experience is assessed to indicate the approaches most likely to lead to effective prevention. An analysis is attempted of the conditions needed for effectiveness and the reasons for the reported high success rate of many existing programmes. Background information is provided of the resources available to assist such a project, including specialist organizations, publications, videos and facilities for staff training.