Scheduled maintenance - Thursday, July 12 at 5:00 PM EDT
We expect this update to take about an hour. Access to this website will be unavailable during this time.
We often think of impairment as a result of substance use or in terms of addiction or dependence to alcohol or drugs (used legally or illegally). While not formally defined by the Canadian Human Rights Commission describes the appearance of impairment at work as: “e.g. odor [sic] of alcohol or drugs, glassy or red eyes, unsteady gait, slurring, poor coordination.”
However, impairment can be the result of various situations, including many that are temporary or short term. Issues that may distract a person from focusing on their tasks include those that are related to family or relationship problems, fatigue (mental or physical), traumatic shock, or medical conditions or treatments. Examples include:
Note that other issues, such as problematic gambling or shopping, may also be a cause of distraction, inattention, or making inappropriate decisions while at work. As such, they may also be considered a form of impairment.
This document covers information about impairment policy and how to recognize impairment. Please see the OSH Answers document Impairment at Work - Reporting and Responding for more information.
In general, employers should consider if there is a risk to the individual's safety or the safety of others. For example, while impaired:
Part of this evaluation would be to consider if there are other side effects of a medical condition or treatment that need to be considered.
Each situation should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Elements of the policy about impairment should include:
Employers should collaborate with employees, health and safety committee/representative, and union (if present) to design a policy which outlines what is an acceptable code of behaviour, and an acceptable level of safety performance. Workplaces are encouraged to establish a policy and procedure so that safety is maintained, concerns regarding safety performance are addressed fairly and appropriately, and where necessary, help can be coordinated or offered in a professional and consistent manner.
The policy may also need to state how discussions will take place, what options are available if the ability to work safely is a concern (e.g., assigned less safety-critical work, sent home, etc.), and actions that may be taken. If an employee may be sent home, it should be clear if this action is taken, under what circumstances is it appropriate and whether it is done via sick time or how pay will be affected, if relevant.
Supervisors should be educated and trained regarding how to recognize impairment. In most cases, when assessing an individual for impairment, it is suggested that a second trained person be present to help make sure that there is an unbiased assessment.
Note: it is not the role of the supervisor or employer to diagnose a medical issue, or possible substance use or dependency problem. Their role is to identify if an employee is impaired, and to take the appropriate steps as per the organization's policy.
Because impairment may be the result of various circumstances, the employer should develop a clear statement of what is considered to be impaired behaviour within their workplace. The Canadian Human Rights Commission uses the following characteristics as they relate to changes in an employee's attendance, performance, or behaviour:
Sometimes there are immediate signs and symptoms present. Other times, it is a pattern of behaviour that may be a concern. The following table is from “A Toolkit to Address Problematic Substance Use that Impacts the Workplace” as published by the Atlantic Canada Council on Addiction (ACCA) which can be used to help determine impairment in general.
ACCA notes the following about using signs and symptoms:
Table 1 Signs and Symptoms of Problematic Substance Use (not specific to any causal agent) | |
---|---|
Indicators | |
Physical |
|
Psychosocial impacts |
|
Workplace performance and professional image |
|
Please see the OSH Answers document Impairment at Work - Reporting and Responding for more information.