As of 4.1.2021 

GBH Drug-Free Workplace Program 

Purpose and Goal 

As a recipient of federal grants, GBH is required to maintain a drug free workplace. Moreover, GBH is committed to protecting the safety, health and well-being of all employees and other individuals in our workplace. We recognize that alcohol abuse and drug use pose a significant threat to our goals. We have established a drug-free workplace program that balances our respect for individuals with the need to maintain an alcohol and drug-free environment. Our drug-free workplace program consists of: 

• A drug-free workplace policy that prohibits drug use in the workplace, including during working hours, while on GBH property, while conducting business on behalf of GBH, or while acting as a representative of GBH;
• Employee education opportunities;
• Prevention tools;
• Manager training;
• and Employee assistance and treatment options.

Drug-Free Policy 

As required by federal law, the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited while on GBH premises and/or while conducting GBH business. If you participate in any of these activities, you are subject to disciplinary action by GBH up to and including termination of employment. Any employee who is convicted of a criminal drug violation in the workplace must notify the Foundation within five calendar days after such conviction. The Foundation is required to report such information to the applicable federal government agency within ten days of receiving such notification. The Foundation is also required, within 30 calendar days of receiving notice, to take appropriate personnel action against the employee, up to an including termination, or requiring the employee to participate satisfactorily in an appropriate drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.

Employee Education

To make sure that employees understand the danger of substance abuse and its impact, GBH has or will take several steps to educate employees about substance abuse: 

• GBH maintains on InnerTube Employee Assistance Program contact information for employees to learn about substance abuse, and posts informative materials in areas frequented by employees
• GBH will make available information regarding substance abuse at GBH wellness fairs
• GBH offers workplace seminars or other learning opportunities to employees concerning substance abuse

Prevention 

Prevention is critical to ensuring employee safety and a drug-free workplace. To prevent drugs in the workplace and minimize substance abuse, GBH provides employees several tools: 

• Health insurance plans offered by GBH cover mental health, which includes counseling and other treatment options
• On InnerTube, links to resources and other materials are readily available to all employees

Manager Training 

Managers can play a key role in helping prevent substance abuse by watching for signs that an employee may need help. GBH is committed to providing training to managers to help them recognize behavior that may indicate substance abuse or that an employee is at risk and know how to help.

Employee Assistance, Treatment and Support

GBH recognizes that alcohol and drug abuse and addiction are treatable illnesses. We also realize that early intervention and support improve the success of rehabilitation. To support our employees, we: 

• Encourage employees to seek help if they are concerned that they or their family members may have a drug and/or alcohol problem.
• Encourage employees to utilize the services of qualified professionals in the community to assess the seriousness of suspected drug or alcohol problems and identify appropriate sources of help.
• Offer all employees assistance with alcohol and drug problems through the EmployeeAssistance Program (EAP).
• Allows the use of accrued paid leave while seeking treatment for alcohol and other drug problems;
• Offer employees health insurance plans that cover treatment for substance abuse;
• Treat information received by the Foundation through the drug-free workplace program as confidentially as practicable under the circumstances, restricting access to this information to those who have a legitimate need to know, in compliance with relevant laws and management policies.

Shared Responsibility 

A safe and productive drug-free workplace is achieved through cooperation and shared responsibility. Both employees and management have important roles to play. As noted above, all employees are prohibited from reporting to work while their ability to perform job duties is impaired due to on- or off-duty use of alcohol or other drugs. In addition, employees are encouraged to:  

• Be concerned about working in a safe environment.
• Support fellow workers in seeking help.
• Use the Employee Assistance Program where appropriate.
• Report dangerous behavior to their supervisor.

It is the supervisor's responsibility to: 

• Inform employees of the drug-free workplace policy.
• Observe employee performance.
• Investigate reports of dangerous practices.
• Document negative changes and problems in performance.
• Counsel employees as to expected performance improvement.
• Refer employees to the Employee Assistance Program.
• Clearly state consequences of policy violations.

For More Information 

Human Resources administers GBH’s Drug-Free Workplace Program. If you have questions or would like help finding resources or understanding various benefits that help with substance abuse issues, please contact GBH Human Resources at (617) 300-2000.