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The National Safety Council (NSC) describes worker impairment as “the hidden risk that keeps workers from performing at their best and able to work safely”. And even worse, a work impairment can even lead to death.
Everything from drug addiction to fatigue or medical issues can create concerns in the workplace for the overall well-being of employees. And business leaders are worried too. According to a recent survey conducted by NSC, 90% of employers say they are “concerned about alcohol, opioids, mental health issues and chronic stress in the workplace”.
But according to the security agency, there are new tools to consider to help companies better assess risks and address issues before they lead to negative results.
One of them is to use Impairment Detection Technology – or IDT – which is characterized by any type of technology capable of screening workers for multiple forms of impairments and assessing their readiness for activities. at work. According to a recently released comprehensive report on IDTs, the NSC examines the ways in which they are implemented, determines their effectiveness while recognizing barriers such as worker buy-in or test validity issues.
Ultimately, NSC says impairment detection plays a role in making workplaces safer. They point out that many of the companies surveyed using IDTs were primarily concerned with fatigue issues and emphasize that these multitudes of factors all play a role in safe drivability.
The NSC report adds that, rather than relying on supervisors to assess workers based on their own instincts and perceptions, “safety technologies can provide a more objective measure to help employers identify and address impairments on the job. work place”.
According to data published in the NSC report, nearly one-fifth of Americans live with mental illness and more than 43% are sleep deprived. According to Jenny Burke, Vice President of Impairment Practice at NSC, “Detecting when a worker is intoxicated is critical to the safety, health and well-being of the workforce. ‘an organization.”
Image credit: TIU
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