The Consequences Of Drug And Alcohol Use On The Job In Workers’ Compensation Cases

It is a no-brainer that at nearly every job imaginable, using drugs and alcohol is unacceptable. Furthermore, it goes without saying that in nearly every job imaginable, using drugs and alcohol can lead to serious mistakes on the job, malpractice, physical injuries, and even death. The risks associated with using drugs and alcohol at work are so serious and widespread that some employers, especially where physical work, operating heavy machinery, or driving a vehicle is involved, opt to drug test their employees. However, despite the potential and real consequences of loss of life and income, the use of drugs and alcohol in the workplace in the United States is not altogether rare.

Statistics on Drug and Alcohol Use in the Workplace

Drug and alcohol use in the workplace in the United States is more prevalent than one might think. According to one report, a whopping 23% of workers may be using drugs and alcohol on the job in the United States. The report cites a survey in which workers in the United States were asked about drug and alcohol use on the job. Surprisingly, 6 out of 10 of the respondents to the survey stated that they have consumed alcohol at work, excluding drinking alcohol at office parties and events. In addition, 23% of the respondents to the survey stated that they have used marijuana on the job. Another jarring figure from the survey concerns those who have witnessed or who are aware of their coworkers’ drug or alcohol use on the job, with 62% of respondents stating that they know at least one individual who has used alcohol or narcotics at work without any type of workplace authorization (for example drinks at an office party or having a medical prescription for certain drugs) or approval.

Injured While Intoxicated on the Job in Mississippi? You May be Ineligible for Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Benefits

It is clear that drug and alcohol use on the job is not uncommon in the United States, and it is also true that workplace accidents are not rare. When a workplace accident results in a worker’s injury and loss of ability to work in Mississippi, they may wonder if they are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under Mississippi law.  The answer may not be surprising: under Mississippi workers’ compensation laws, an employer can deny an employee’s workers’ compensation claim for workplace injury if the employee was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident that caused the injury. Furthermore, the employer can require the employee to submit to a drug test at the time of the accident to confirm whether the employee was intoxicated. If the employee refuses to take the drug test, there is then a presumption that the employee was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident, and the employee may be denied workers’ compensation benefits.

Help with Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Claims

If you have been injured at work in Mississippi and have questions about your potential workers’ compensation claim, it is best to get in touch with an experienced Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyer. Contact the experienced Louisiana & Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyers at Lunsford, Baskin & Priebe today for a free and confidential consultation to learn your rights and options and to see if they can help.

Source:

eu.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/03/29/addiction-at-work-as-employees-abuse-opioids-pot-alcohol/3232928002/