Follow these recommended steps if you suspect that an employee is under the influence of alcohol or drugs while at work. Listed below are recommended steps to follow:
- First, annotate your observations. Please use the Objective Signs of Impairment Checklist for this purpose.
- Next, ask another manager/supervisor to observe the employee and complete a checklist without reviewing the checklist you have completed. In this way, you have two independent observations of the employee.
- If the other manager/supervisor concurs that the employee is impaired from performing their duties, you should send the employee home. Do not allow the employee to drive. You should have the employee call a friend or family member to drive them home or call and pay a taxi to take them home. Do not have an employee drive them home.
- When the employee returns to work, conduct an investigative interview. Ask the employee if they were under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If they acknowledge that they were under the influence, ask why they came to work in that condition. If the employee denies being under the influence, show them the checklist and ask for an explanation of the appearance/behavior you observed. Since this interview may lead to disciplinary action, the employee is entitled to union representation if they request it.
- Once you have completed your investigation, call Employee & Labor Relations for guidance on the appropriate action to take.
Note: For employees covered under the Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Testing Program, follow the steps outlined in the Policies and Procedures for Supervisors and Managers provided in the Drug and Alcohol Testing Program training. For further information regarding the DOT program, contact the County’s Safety Manager.