How to deal with alcohol problems at the workplace?

Even in these times of corona­virus it is well to remember: alcohol is a real killer in Finland and the source of endless problems in working life. And it is not an occasional pandemic, it is a never ending problem.

17.6.2020

In 2018, a total of 1,683 persons died of alcohol-related diseases and alcohol poiso­nings, accor­ding to Statis­tics Finland. Out of these, 1,269 were men and 414 women. And these figures only include direct deaths caused by alcohol use.

Unfor­tu­na­tely, alcohol has a negative effect on human health in many other ways, too, like the higher risk of cancer.

Work and alcohol are not a winning combi­na­tion. Industrial work today, in particular, demands a sharp mind and precise hand. There are several ways to confront and diminish alcohol-related problems at workplaces, either by official means or through less formal interventions.

Sometimes a direct question from a colleague can help, says Marjut Lumijärvi, the Health, Safety and Environ­ment Officer at the Finnish Industrial Union in an article in Finnish in this magazine.

– A majority of those who stopped drinking, said in a certain survey that their first impulse to stop was down to the simple question of a colleague: Is everyt­hing fine with you?

To remain silent when seeing a colleague fighting with problems is not caring.

PLAN AND TREAT

On the formal side the law stipu­lates that measures must to be taken to predict and prevent health risks in the workplace. One way to do it is to draft a drug and alcohol abuse preven­tion plan.

The plan sets guide­lines for the workplace to prevent and solve problems caused by alcohol and drug use. It describes the goals, practices, actions and the division of respon­si­bi­li­ties when it comes to substance use preven­tion and referral for treatment.

This plan is not obliga­tory, but trade unions recom­mend drafting it. In 2019, SAK, the Central Organi­sa­tion of Finnish Trade Unions conducted a survey for shop stewards.

Three out of four of those who responded from industry said their workplace did have a plan. And 71 per cent said that there have been alcohol-related problems at their work place.

The preven­tion plan becomes obliga­tory, as required by law, should an employer deem it neces­sary to request drug tests for employees.

To have the preven­tion plan makes the rules clear for everyone in the workplace. It explains what to do if someone is coming to work clearly intoxicated. And how to manage a problem head on. Also, ultima­tely, to offer help to the employee with a problem.

An impor­tant part of the system is referral for treat­ment (hoitoo­noh­jaus). This is a proce­dure, whereby the occupa­tional health care or manager tries to guide a person with problems through treatment.

It aims to sustain the ability to work and help people at the same time. Naturally, this will work better if the person seeks treat­ment volun­ta­rily. If one refuses, and the problem conti­nues, the workplace must then intervene.

The union shop steward and occupa­tional safety and health repre­sen­ta­tive can also help in these matters, confidentially.

TEXT HEIKKI JOKINEN
ILLUSTRATION TUOMAS IKONEN