Thursday, March 23, 2023
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • E-edition
  • Login
  • Register
  • Home
  • News
  • Economy
  • Columns
  • Companies & Markets
  • In Business With
  • Lifestyle
    • Motoring
  • Sports
    Botswana’s women boxing on the rise 

    Boxers Finally Receive their Prize Money from 2022 African Championships

    Darts Expects Only P50K from BNSC for 2023/24

    Darts Expects Only P50K from BNSC for 2023/24

    Botswana athletes to train in USA

    Botswana athletes to train in USA

    Debswana’s BAA Sponsorship Plays Critical Role in Developing BW Athletics – Theetso

    Debswana’s BAA Sponsorship Plays Critical Role in Developing BW Athletics – Theetso

    Boxers yet to Receive Prizes from 2022 African Boxing Championships 

    Boxers yet to Receive Prizes from 2022 African Boxing Championships 

    April will see 2nd Instalment of Summer Kids Marathon

    April will see 2nd Instalment of Summer Kids Marathon

    Trending Tags

    • Subscribe
    No Result
    View All Result
    • Home
    • News
    • Economy
    • Columns
    • Companies & Markets
    • In Business With
    • Lifestyle
      • Motoring
    • Sports
      Botswana’s women boxing on the rise 

      Boxers Finally Receive their Prize Money from 2022 African Championships

      Darts Expects Only P50K from BNSC for 2023/24

      Darts Expects Only P50K from BNSC for 2023/24

      Botswana athletes to train in USA

      Botswana athletes to train in USA

      Debswana’s BAA Sponsorship Plays Critical Role in Developing BW Athletics – Theetso

      Debswana’s BAA Sponsorship Plays Critical Role in Developing BW Athletics – Theetso

      Boxers yet to Receive Prizes from 2022 African Boxing Championships 

      Boxers yet to Receive Prizes from 2022 African Boxing Championships 

      April will see 2nd Instalment of Summer Kids Marathon

      April will see 2nd Instalment of Summer Kids Marathon

      Trending Tags

      • Subscribe
      No Result
      View All Result
      The Business Weekly & Review
      No Result
      View All Result
      Home Columns Workplace Heath with Dr Stella Tawana

      Drug-Free Zone

      Dr Stella Tawana by Dr Stella Tawana
      February 2, 2023
      in Workplace Heath with Dr Stella Tawana
      Reading Time: 3 mins read
      0
      Drug-Free Zone
      Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

      Cat! This simple word used to be only synonymous with a small, cuddlable pet, or even the brand of a big machine or a protective shoe.

      But nowadays when one talks of katse, the first thing that comes to mind is the drug Kat, a stimulant that is becoming more popular among young adults. Other popular and readily available drugs are weed, which can be disguised as a cup cake (space cake), and cocaine, with street names such as grandpa.

      One might wonder why we are even bothered by what our employees do in their recreational space. Are we not infringing on their rights? Substances, whether it is alcohol, cigarettes or illicit drugs, have an effect in the workplace when overused. This is of concern to any employer, especially where alertness, accuracy and quick reflexes are required.

      For example, cognitive impairment in a surgeon, a long-distance truck driver or a heavy machine operator can result in fatal incidents. For many users it starts as one or two for the experience. For some the choice is because of easy access, either from other workers who sell during work time or from dealers/food hawkers found around the workspace.

      We sometimes see high performers such as doctors, lawyers, academics, engineers and accountants falling into this trap, either to cope with the high work demands, irregular shifts or simply because they have the money and are easy targets for dealers. Drug use can also provide a false good feeling for those dealing with social stressors such as a divorce, debt and grief. This can eventually lead to addiction and substance use disorder, which is a medical diagnosis.

      While managers and supervisors’ roles are not to diagnose any worker with substance use disorder, they can be trained to spot some of the signs and refer accordingly. The signs include:

      • Absenteeism or excessive use of sick days, especially after weekends and around public holidays.
      • Frequent disappearance from the worksite without explanation
      • Mood swings and work performance that alternates between high and low productivity
      • Deterioration in personal hygiene, sometimes with unexplainable bloodshot eyes.
      • Lying and frequent talk about money shortages
      • Irritability, even violence towards colleagues

      Effects on the workplace may include repeated errors in judgement or bad decisions, accidents and injuries, difficulty in recalling instructions, and unreliability in meeting deadlines and honouring appointments. Such workers can also steal money from the organisation or from team members to feed their addiction.

      Legally, a workplace is expected to reasonably accommodate the employee and assist them to perform optimally before opting for dismissal. Therefore, the following can be put in place to prevent or deal with substance abuse in the workplace:

      1. Develop and implement an alcohol and drugs policy

      This should take into consideration ethical and legal requirements. It should be for all employees, including management. The policy can speak to treatment, referrals, discipline, and so on. Every employee must be made aware of this on appointment.

      1. Training and education programme

      Employees and management must be trained on the effects of drugs and how to spot a user. The worker should be referred to experts such as doctors and psychologists for diagnosis and fitness to work assessments.

      1. Drug testing programme

      A policy guideline should be developed and must consider conditions of service, job descriptions, consent and other legal requirements. Drug use does affect your bottom line. We can therefore help you with strategies that encourage your workers to aim high but not be high.


      *Dr Tawana is a registered Occupational Health and Safety Specialist and chairs the National Compensation Board. She was a Global Medical expert in the development of ISO 45003- Guidelines for managing Psychosocial Risks in the Workplace

      Contact her for OHS solutions at admin@premiercare.co.bw. 3935008/ 73241411.

      Navigation

      • Home
      • News
      • Economy
      • Columns
      • Companies & Markets
      • In Business With
      • Lifestyle
        • Motoring
      • Sports
      • Subscribe

      Recent News

      • March 24th Edition
      • March 17th Edition
      • NBFIRA Intervenes in BOPEU’s Controversial Insurance Deductions
      • The Sweet Nostalgia of The Goodiebag Factory
      • Wild Waters in the Blood: Nkashi Demystifies Poling

      Site

      • About
      • Advertise
      • Privacy Policy
      • Cookie Policy
      • Contact
      • Subscribe
      • E-edition

      © 2021 The Business Weekly & Review. All Rights Reserved.

      No Result
      View All Result
      • Home
      • News
      • Economy
      • Columns
      • Companies & Markets
      • In Business With
      • Lifestyle
        • Motoring
      • Sports
      • Subscribe

      © 2021 The Business Weekly & Review. All Rights Reserved.

      Welcome Back!

      Login to your account below

      Forgotten Password? Sign Up

      Create New Account!

      Fill the forms below to register

      All fields are required. Log In

      Retrieve your password

      Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

      Log In
      This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
      Are you sure want to unlock this post?
      Unlock left : 0
      Are you sure want to cancel subscription?