A marijuana-free zone

 By Jonny Suchor. 

Understanding marijuana policies in today's workplaces. 

Recently the National Building Frame Association (NFBA) and the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) provided safety toolbox talks discussing the consequences of using marijuana while on the job. Even though medical and recreational marijuana are legal in some states, it's still not acceptable to use it while at work.  

“Think of marijuana like alcohol. Both are legal, but no one is permitted to be intoxicated at work, whether the intoxication comes from alcohol, marijuana, or any other substance,” according to the toolbox talks.   

Today's marijuana is much stronger than it used to be — 10 to 40 times stronger than in the 60s and 70s — making it unsafe for work where full attention is crucial. The effects of marijuana, like slowed reaction times, confusion, disorientation and impaired judgment, mean that individuals who test positive for marijuana are “involved in 55% more work accidents, and have 85% more injuries than those who don't use it at work,” according to the toolbox talks. The risks associated with operating machinery or performing tasks requiring sharp focus, like working on a roof, while intoxicated are too high, it’s vital that you’re 100% focused on your task at hand. Everyone wants to go home safe at the end of the day. 

And employers have a legal and moral duty to keep the workplace safe, which includes setting rules against marijuana use before and during work hours. “Employers have the right to establish and enforce drug testing policies, drug-free workplace policies, or zero-tolerance drug policies,” the toolbox talks share. They can also test employees for drug use under certain conditions, such as after an accident or for reasonable suspicion if someone seems to be under the influence at work. Even if you're not under the influence at work but test positive, you could still face consequences if it goes against company policy.  

While marijuana might be legal where you live, it is still illegal under federal law to be under the influence at work. It is dangerous to use marijuana at work, because not only are you putting your job and yourself in harm’s way, you’re also jeopardizing the health and safety of your coworkers. Be sober. Be safe. 

Read the Safety Toolbox Talk and go through the discussion questions with your coworkers to ensure everyone knows the guidelines regarding marijuana in the workplace.