Let’s be real—substance abuse in the workplace is a tough topic. No one wants to believe that their employees might be struggling with drug or alcohol use while on the job. But the reality is, substance abuse poses serious safety risks that can’t be ignored—especially in industries where one wrong move can lead to injuries, legal issues, or even fatalities.
If you're running a business in Calgary, workplace safety should be a top priority, and that includes tackling substance abuse head-on. The good news? There are practical, legal, and supportive ways to manage this issue without creating a culture of fear. Let’s dive in.
Whether it’s alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit substances, impaired employees are a safety risk—not just to themselves, but to everyone around them. Some risks include:
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), substance abuse in the workplace contributes to 40% of industrial fatalities in Canada. That’s not a statistic businesses can afford to ignore. More on this here:
https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/psychosocial/substance.html
1. Implement a Clear Drug & Alcohol Policy
A well-written substance use policy is your first line of defense in maintaining a safe and legally compliant workplace. It ensures employees clearly understand what’s expected of them and what the consequences are for violating those expectations. Your policy should:
Having this framework in place helps protect both the employer and employees, and it sets the tone for a respectful, safe, and productive workplace.
The Government of Alberta provides detailed guidance to help you build a legally sound policy:
https://www.alberta.ca/workplace-drug-and-alcohol-policies.aspx
2. Introduce Workplace Drug & Alcohol Testing (Legally & Fairly!)
Drug and alcohol testing can play a critical role in maintaining safety, particularly in high-risk or safety-sensitive industries—but it must be done the right way. Testing should be:
Common types of testing include:
For best practices and legal compliance, refer to this guidance from the Canadian Human Rights Commission:
https://www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/en/resources/guidelines-drug-and-alcohol-testing
3. Train Managers to Recognize and Respond
Your frontline leaders—managers, supervisors, and safety officers—need to be prepared to act when impairment is suspected. Proper training ensures they know how to:
This training reduces the risk of mishandled situations, wrongful accusations, and legal liability.
Need help? We offer Manager & Supervisor OH&S Training tailored to recognizing impairment and responding within legal and respectful boundaries:
https://calgarysafetyconsultants.ca/Full-Training-Offerings
4. Support Employees with Assistance Programs
A strong safety culture doesn’t just enforce rules—it also supports people. When employees know they can seek help without shame or punishment, they’re more likely to step forward before safety is compromised. Consider offering:
This approach not only protects your workplace—it can help save lives.
Need help now? The Alberta Health Services Addiction Helpline (1-866-332-2322) is free, confidential, and available 24/7:
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/amh/amh.aspx
At Calgary Safety Consultants, we help businesses develop comprehensive safety policies that address workplace substance abuse without compromising fairness or compliance. Here’s how we can support your organization:
✔ Drug & Alcohol Policy Development – We help create legally sound policies that protect your business and employees. Learn more:
https://calgarysafetyconsultants.ca/ohs-consulting
✔ Manager & Supervisor Training – Equip your leadership team with the skills to recognize and manage substance-related safety risks. Full training details here:
https://calgarysafetyconsultants.ca/Full-Training-Offerings
✔ Workplace Safety Audits – We assess your safety policies, compliance status, and recommend improvements to minimize risks. Book an audit:
https://calgarysafetyconsultants.ca/
✔ COR Auditing & Compliance Support – If you're looking to get COR-certified and improve your safety culture, we can help:
https://calgarysafetyconsultants.ca/cor-auditing
Addressing substance abuse in the workplace isn’t about discipline or punishment—it’s about creating a culture where safety, accountability, and compassion coexist. Substance use can impact focus, reaction time, judgment, and overall performance—posing serious risks not only to the individual but also to coworkers, clients, and the broader operation. By taking a proactive approach, employers send a clear message: safety is a priority, and support is available. This isn’t just good risk management—it’s a commitment to the well-being of your team.
Implementing clear and legally compliant policies, providing fair and respectful testing procedures, training supervisors to respond appropriately, and offering access to confidential support programs are all essential components of a balanced and effective strategy. Together, these measures not only help prevent workplace incidents—they also demonstrate leadership, build trust, and ensure that employees who may be struggling with substance use are met with resources and dignity, not fear or stigma. In doing so, your business not only stays compliant—it becomes a safer, healthier place for everyone.
Book your complimentary consultation today.
Stay safe, stay compliant, and keep your business running smoothly!
Substance abuse impacts workplace safety, productivity, and morale. It also poses legal risks under Alberta’s OH&S laws, which require employers to ensure a safe work environment.
A policy should define prohibited substances, address legal cannabis use, outline testing procedures, establish reporting processes, set consequences, and provide access to support resources.
Testing is not mandated in Alberta but may be implemented in high-risk industries, such as construction or oil and gas. Policies must comply with privacy laws.
Calgary Safety Consultants is here to help you ensure compliance, enhance safety, and streamline your OH&S program. Don’t wait—fill out the form, and we’ll connect with you to discuss how we can support your business. Let’s get started!
Calgary Safety Consultants delivers game-changing COR Audits and OH&S consulting designed to keep your business safe, compliant, and accident-free. With 30+ years of expertise in high-risk industries like oil & gas, construction, and manufacturing, we understand the unique challenges you face. We offer tailored safety solutions that not only meet regulatory standards but also reduce operational risks and protect your workforce. From conducting thorough safety audits to implementing comprehensive safety management systems, we ensure your team is fully supported. Our hands-on, collaborative approach means we're with you every step of the way, helping you achieve a safer, more efficient workplace. Let us handle the heavy lifting so your team stays protected, and your business thrives!
