The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce encourages the Drugs Don’t Work program to provide the necessary tools to empower business owners to maintain a drug-free workplace. Enrollment and certification through the Drugs Don’t Work program can also help lower workers’ compensation premiums.

“As an employer, our goal is to constantly improve the environment of our employees. Through our partnership with Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and their Drugs Don’t Work program, we have experienced both personal and professional growth in our employees. We take great pride in offering benefits to our people that can change lives and promote a healthy lifestyle. We highly recommend to any organization to take this step for its company, its employees, and the community in which it serves.”

-Magnum Contracting, LLC

“My company benefits tremendously from the Drugs Don’t Work Program.  We save over 7% on our work comp insurance each year and that alone more than pays for the program.  I also have to say that the program is very easy to do and there is no reason why a business owner should not have this program as a standard practice.”

-GrassRoots Tree & Turf Care

To obtain drug free workplace certification and qualify for the 7.5% discount* on your workers’ compensation premiums, you must complete the following steps:

Drugs Don’t Work Simplified Check List:

1. Institute a substance abuse policy. The program provides English and Spanish translations.
2. Conduct drug testing. Not all employees are required to be tested, however, pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident testing are required. While random drug testing is not required, it is suggested. The program provides a certified testing provider list.
3. Conduct on-going employee education. The program provides a monthly newsletter for  employees in both English and Spanish to equal the required two hours of training annually. Half of the training must be complete before applying for certification.
4. Oversee supervisor education. The program provides newsletters to distribute to supervisors for one hour of annual training. The balance of required training can be accomplished by a drug awareness trainer. Half of the training must be complete before applying for certification.
5. Post the provided referral list of treatment services.
6. Submit your application to the State Board of Worker’s Compensation annually for Certification.

Think drugs in Georgia don’t affect you? Consider these facts**:

• 38-50% of workers’ compensation claims are related to substance abuse.
• Substance abusers file 3-5 times more workers’ comp claims.
• Substance abusers have 300% higher medical costs/benefits.
• Substance  abusers are 2.5 times more likely to be absent from work.
• 77% of adult drug users are employed.

Having a drug-free workplace helps:

• Reduce  medical costs and lost productivity
• Lower employee turnover and reduce absenteeism
• Protect  loyal employees

*7.5% Discount available on Worker’s Comp Insurance Premiums to all certified Drug Free Workplaces that purchase a premium; if you are self-insured, the 7.5% is from your state assessment fee.

**Source: ‘Working Partners’, National Conference Proceedings Report: US Dept. of Labor, the Small Business Administration, and the Office of National Drug Control Policy.