A component analysis of an alcohol and drug program: employee education

The present study represents an attempt to evaluate a specific component of an alcohol and drug program, employee education. Two groups of employees at a moderate-size manufacturing plant in Southern Ontario were surveyed as to their alcohol knowledge prior to, and following, an educational seminar. A group of 161 hourly rate employees and a group of 61 front-line supervisors, department heads, shop stewards and union bargaining committee members participated in the study. It was found that educational seminars of relatively brief duration are an effective means of increasing employees' alcohol knowledge and awareness, their familiarity with a company's alcohol and drug policy, and the likelihood of their using established company programs for substance abuse.