Introduction

The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the subsequent Drug-Free Schools and Communities Amendment of 1989 were developed to promote awareness of the hazards of drug use and to utilize the forces of the federal government to penalize any employer who does not actively work to develop and maintain a drug-free campus and/or workplace. South Florida Community College strongly endorses the federal government’s efforts to eliminate illegal drug activities on school campuses and in workplaces.

Health Risks

Drugs cause physical and emotional dependence. Drug and alcohol abuse increase the chances of violence, personal injuries, automobile accidents, heart disease, strokes, cancer, emphysema, liver disease, AIDS, brain cell destruction, and a long list of other diseases and symptoms of physical deterioration to the user. Even low to moderate doses of drugs and/or alcohol increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including spouse and child abuse. Also, the safety of employees abusing drugs and alcohol, and that of their co-workers, can be greatly jeopardized. The U.S. Department of Labor has proven that illegal drug users cause at least four times as many workplace accidents as non-users. Thousands of these “accidents” have resulted in death or permanent disability to innocent co-workers and the general public.

Legal Sanctions

Under federal and state laws, illegal drug activities can bring prison sentences ranging from probation to life imprisonment. For example, any person who sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or possesses with the intent to sell, purchase, manufacture, or deliver a controlled substance in, on, or near an educational facility in Florida may be convicted of a first degree felony. In addition, possession of open containers of alcoholic beverages in vehicles under the Florida State Traffic Law Statute (310.1936) is prohibited.

Failure on the Job

Your chances of performing well on the job are dramatically reduced by drug and alcohol abuse. In addition to being the cause of accidents, the U.S. Department of Labor has documented that drug and alcohol abusers work at only two-thirds of their potential, are absent up to six times as often as non-users, and make twice as many errors. Drug and alcohol abusers also tend to be disruptive in the workplace and find it difficult to get along with co-workers.

Disciplinary Sanctions

It is College policy that the illegal use of alcohol or drugs on campus or at any of its activities is strictly prohibited, and any individual violating this policy is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including immediate dismissal and referral for prosecution. Consumption of alcoholic beverages and/or intoxication during work hours also violates College policy and will subject the offending employee to disciplinary action, up to and including immediate dismissal. In addition, any employee convicted of the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of controlled substances, on or off-campus shall notify the Human Resources Office within 5 days after such conviction and shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Help is Available

If you currently have or develop an abuse problem and ask for our help, we’ll try to help you overcome it. Locally, Tri-County Human Services, Inc. (5606 U.S. 27 North, Sebring, Florida, 863-385-2662) offers outpatient services and hospital/agency referrals for inpatient treatment. Additionally, several health care providers are listed in the Sprint Yellow Pages under “Drug Abuse & Addiction Information & Treatment.” The cost of treatment can usually be at least partially covered by your health insurance, and some of the agencies have a sliding fee schedule based on ability to pay. Please feel free to talk with your supervisor or contact the Human Resources Office directly for more information.