ABSTRACT WORKER DRUG AND OTHER SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Blume (1998: 72) states that human beings have always wanted to change their thoughts, feelings and perceptions of reality through the use of mind-altering substances. It is common knowledge that the construction industry, although not inherently dangerous, remains a perilous industry to work in as there is a major potential for occupational accidents to occur. Despite the general feeling that worker drug and other substance abuse is a problem in the South African construction industry, statistical evidence to support this perception is not readily available. International research has however proven it to be an ongoing problem (Evans, 2014). A survey was conducted among medium and large size general contractor members of the East Cape Master Builders Association (ECMBA) to determine the extent of the problem of worker drug and other substance abuse within a South African context. A summary of the findings of the study are as follows: Contractors identified that worker drug and other substance abuse is a problem between near minor extent to some extent; accidents on site are often attributable to drug and other substance abuse by workers; the biggest impact of worker drug and other substance abuse is on health and safety (H&S), and poor overall performance and poor worker conduct are often experienced as a result of drug and other substance abuse by workers. Conclusions include that the lack of drug and other substance abuse programmes is a major reason for drug and other substance abuse by workers. It is recommended that workers should be tested before being granted access to site, their performance should be regularly monitored, incidents of poor conduct should be recorded and investigated, and a drug and other substance abuse policy should be implemented together with an effective programme. To read more see attached paper. Source: Prof Smallwood Written by: Sean William Bos
