Employer Committee hosts workshop – Free Money
By Janice Boling
NGN Reporter

The Union Towns Employer Committee recently hosted a free workshop about becoming a Certified Drug Free Workplace. Saving money on Workman’s Comp is just one of the many benefits that come with the certification program.

Guest speaker Rob Murray did a great job presenting the information. Murray said, “I am very pleased with the changes at Panel-Built since becoming certified. We have had a much lower turnover rate and the company receives a significant discount on Workman’s Comp.”

According to the Drugs Don’t Work program, “In 1993 the state of Georgia enacted the Drug Free Workplace Premium Credit Program. The legislation was designed to promote drug-free workplaces in Georgia, so that theses employers be afforded the opportunity to maximize productivity, enhance competitiveness in the marketplace, and reach desired levels of success without experiencing the costs, delays, and tragedies associated with work related accidents resulting from employee substance abuse.”

There are five steps to achieving drug-free certification including having a substance abuse policy, conducting limited drug testing, completing employee education, completing supervisor training, and having an employee assistance program in place. After the presentation, Murray provided applications for certification, answered questions, and supplied a list of available online resources. Most forms, posters, policies, and notices are available as a free download from the internet.

Employers attending the workshop received printed examples of required paperwork, a copy of the rules and guidelines, a step by step guide to becoming certified, and more. A light dinner provided by the Bank of Blairsville was much appreciated by everyone in attendance.

Drugs Don’t Work is a partnership program of The Council on Alcohol and Drugs, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Georgia Department of Human Resources, and the Georgia State Board of Worker’s Compensation.

The Union Towns Employer Committee is happy to host events like this workshop. The Employer Committee is a group of area employers that provide a sounding board for issues affecting the local workforce and the local economy. Members meet monthly to discuss all kinds of work related issues.

The committee, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Labor, helps provide employers with relevant and up-to-date information. Call Employment Marketing Representative Fran Reilly at (706)745-6959 or Employer Committee Chairperson Joyce Gandy at (706) 379-4620 for more information. Visit the website at http://www.georgiaec.com for updates and news.

 

Guest Speaker Rob Murray

 

 

Area employers attend workshop

 

 

Drugs Don’t Work in Georgia Presentation