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FORMER T.B.I.  DRUG EXPERT SPEAKS TO PLANT MANAGERS

Concerns about drug use in the workplace have steadily increased the past several years.  On Wednesday, an expert in the field of drugs in the workplace spoke to business representatives gathered at the Sparta-White County Chamber of Commerce plant managers' luncheon.

Chip Lewis, owner and president of Premier Drug Compliance, in Cookeville, educated plant managers and human resource managers about the potential dangers of employees who may be performing their jobs while under the influence of illegal drugs.  Lewis' background has given him the knowledge required to educate industries about maintaining a drug-free workplace and how to legally handle drug-related situations when they arise.

Lewis received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology from University of Tennessee in Chattanooga and began his law enforcement career in 1994 with Manchester Police Department.  In 1998, he began employment with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, where he was a special agent assigned to the Drug Investigation Division.  He has also received training from the Drug Enforcement Agency ( D.E.A.  ), Federal Bureau of Investigation ( F.B.I.  ) and U.S.  Department of Justice.  Lewis is certified to dismantle and recognize methamphetamine labs.  He is certified as a collector and instructor in accordance with the Department of Transportation to collect urinalysis and hair specimens for drug screening.

According to Lewis, more workers' compensation claims are filed by business and industries that have employees working under the influence of drugs.  "Drug users flock together," said Lewis.  "If you have hired one, others will follow."

Lewis recommended that plant managers and human resource managers review the Tennessee Drug Free Workplace program.  Although the program is voluntary, the advantages are numerous for the employer.  The covered employers choosing to participate in the program have three major benefits.

- - Receive five percent premium credit on workers' compensation policy

- - Discharge or discipline of an employee, or refusing to hire a job applicant, who is found to be in violation of the covered employer's Drug Free Workplace Program, will be considered done for cause.

- - If an employee suffers a workplace injury and receives a positive confirmed post-accident drug test from illegal use of drugs or alcohol, or refuses to submit to a post-accident drug or alcohol test, the burden of proof is shifted to the employee.

A question and answer session was conducted where Lewis addressed the concerns of those in attendance.  He also explained in detail proper retrieval of drug specimens and accuracy of tests.

For more information about a drug-free workplace, Lewis can be reached at 931/432-8378.