Substance Abuse and the ADA: Employer Rights, Reasonable Accommodation & Workplace Drug and Alcohol Issues
Substance abuse in the workplace can create challenging issues for employers, managers, and HR professionals. Performance problems, attendance and absenteeism, workplace conduct, safety concerns, and drug and alcohol use can all require employers to take action, but what happens when an employee has a substance use disorder or is in recovery?
When is an employee with a substance abuse problem protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? When can an employer discipline or terminate an employee for drug or alcohol-related misconduct? What are an employer's obligations when an employee is a recovering alcoholic or drug addict? And what should managers do when substance abuse appears to be affecting an employee's performance?
In this 60-minute live HR webinar, experienced employment law attorney Melissa Fleischer, Esq. will provide practical guidance on navigating the complex intersection of substance abuse, workplace performance, and the ADA.
You will learn how the ADA applies to employees with substance abuse issues, the important legal distinctions between current illegal drug use and individuals in recovery, and how employers can address performance and conduct problems while minimizing the risk of unlawful discrimination.
In This 60-Minute HR Webinar, You Will Learn:
- Key legal issues employers should consider when addressing drug and alcohol problems in the workplace
- Common misconceptions that can result in unlawful discrimination against employees with substance use disorders
- How the ADA applies to employees with substance abuse issues
- Which employees may be protected by the ADA and which individuals may not qualify for ADA protection
- The critical distinction between current illegal drug use and drug addiction or recovery and how that distinction affects ADA protections
- How the ADA treats alcoholism and employees in recovery
- How employers can apply performance and conduct standards to employees with disabilities while remaining compliant with the ADA
- When an employer may discipline or terminate an employee for drug- or alcohol-related misconduct
- What managers and supervisors should—and should not—do when they suspect an employee has a substance abuse problem
- How to respond to performance, attendance, and conduct issues involving employees with substance abuse problems
- When reasonable accommodation may be required and how to approach accommodation requests
- Practical strategies for addressing workplace drug and alcohol issues while complying with applicable employment laws
- Resources and workplace programs available to employers for addressing substance abuse concerns
What Is Included in HR Learning Center's 60-Minute Online Employment Law Webinar?
- Live online training presented by an experienced employment law attorney
- PowerPoint presentation
- Comprehensive handouts
- Certificate of Attendance
- Live Question & Answer Session
Gain the Knowledge You Need to Manage Substance Abuse Issues Legally and Effectively
Substance abuse issues can present significant challenges for employers, but treating every employee with a substance abuse problem the same way can create legal risk. This practical webinar will help HR professionals and managers understand their obligations under the ADA and learn how to address drug and alcohol-related workplace issues fairly, consistently, and legally.
Register today to learn how to effectively manage substance abuse issues while protecting your organization from unnecessary legal risk.