The use of alcohol and other drugs by employees has been estimated to cost the Canadian economy $7.1 billion annually in lost productivity due to illness and premature death. As a majority of Canadian adults are employed and spend a signifi cant proportion of their time at work, the workplace becomes an important context for addressing alcohol-related harm. Steps to prevent and reduce employee alcohol and other drug problems can have a signifi cant impact on health and safety in the workplace and the community. To have impact, education about alcohol and other drugs must be backed by an organizational culture that values and promotes healthy lifestyles, along with workplace policies that are clear, comprehensive, well promoted
and well enforced.


To assist in the development of an effective workplace alcohol and other drug policy, visit:

Alcohol Policy Network - PDF Version Click Here

Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse

Canadian Centre of Occupational Health and Safety

Ontario Human Rights Commission

National Alcohol Strategy Working Group

Leeds Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

Workplace Alcohol and Drug Policies Information

General Information on Alcohol and Drugs