The Drug-Free Workplace Advisor provides information to businesses about how to establish and maintain an alcohol- and drug-free workplace. This Advisor also provides information about the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 based on the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) government-wide non-regulatory guidance.

Today in the United States, 73 percent of drug users are employed, costing American businesses billions of dollars annually in lost productivity and health care costs. Due to higher employment rates and rising substance abuse, the chances that your organization employs one of these 8.1 million workers is greater today than it has been in the past several years. Studies reveal that employees who abuse drugs have a tremendously harmful effect on the workplace—they are more likely to have extended absences from work, show up late, be involved in workplace accidents, and file workers’ compensation claims.

More and more employers have established substance abuse programs to respond to the problems created by drugs and alcohol in the workplace. These programs save organizations money, and in some cases, they save careers, families and lives. In an effort to raise awareness about the impact of substance abuse in the workplace, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) implemented Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace. This educational program helps employers develop and maintain an alcohol- and drug-free workplace.

As part of the Federal government’s effort to address the issue of substance abuse in the workplace, the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 was enacted as part of the omnibus drug legislation. This Act—in effect since March 18, 1989—requires contractors and grantees of Federal agencies to agree to provide drug-free workplaces as a precondition of receiving a contract or grant from a Federal agency. OMB offers government wide non-regulatory guidance for this Act.

The Department of Labor (DOL) developed the elaws Advisors to help employees and employers understand their rights and responsibilities under numerous Federal employment laws. Each Advisor includes links to more detailed information that may be useful to the user, such as links to regulatory text, publications and organizations.

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