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LEWISTON — The Central Maine Human Resources Association will host a program for employers, big and small, about recognizing drug impairment, how it can affect safety in the workplace, and the current issues pertaining to use, abuse, and impairment in Maine Tuesday, Feb. 20, beginning at 7:45 a.m. at the Carriage House, 1119 Lisbon St.
Maine is undergoing a drug abuse epidemic — overdoses occurring at alarming rates; prescription drug rates per capita remaining among the highest in the US; and ultra-concentrated THC marijuana becoming recreationally legal, said a news release from the association.
While an employee’s right to use certain drugs at work may be protected, that does not include a right to be impaired on the job. Drug impairment endangers safety and productivity.
Can your managers recognize the difference? Do your policies accurately reflect the distinction? Furthermore, there are many common misperceptions about drug abuse in the workplace. Can a worker be legally impaired on their own prescription drug? Does marijuana dangerously affect physical or mental processes?
Dirigo Safety LLC, owned by Scot Mattox, Esq., employs lawyers and law enforcement-trained drug recognition experts to teach drug abuse awareness to the line workers and drug impairment awareness to management. This program will give employers the basics on what they can do to address the issue.
Mattox, who retired after a 26-year career in law enforcement, will lead the presentation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology; a master’s degree in public policy and management; and a juris doctor from the University of Maine School of Law. H The program is sponsored by the Auburn-based law firm of Skelton Taintor & Abbott, attorneys at law.
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. There will be time to network before and after the program. Registration on line is preferred and available at www.cmhra.org. Participants may submit questions in advance to CMHRA co-program chair Rebecca Webber at rwebber@sta-law.com.
