FireDOC Search

Author
Maloney, W. F.
Title
Substance Abuse: The Problem and Its Solution.
Coporate
Michigan Univ., Ann Arbor
Report
Source Document 32; Task Force 85-11
December 1987
173 p.
Keywords
construction | medications | literature reviews | surveys
Identifiers
survey of contractors, designers, labor, and owners; international union and contractor association survey
Abstract
This was a study of substance abuse in the construction industry sponsored by the Construction Industry Institute. The primary objective of the study was to determine the extent of the substance abuse problem in the construction industry and what is being done to solve the problem. Substance abuse is perceived to be a significant problem within the construction industry. Approximately 10-15% of the people in the construction side of the industry are perceived by contractors, labor officials, and owners as having a substance abuse problem. Design officials believe the percentage is much lower for design personnel. The substance abuse problem has a significant cost impact. Overall costs are estimated to be 6.5-8.5% higher because of substance abuse. Health care, workers' compensation, and other insurance costs are significantly higher because of substance abuse. Absenteeism, late starts, early quits, safety incidents, accidents, injuries, and turnover are all higher while productivity is significantly lower because of substance abuse.