March 22, 2007 |
Posted By Diane Pfadenhauer |
Working Under the Influence of Alcohol
According to a research study by the University of Buffalo, approximately 15% of the workforce is working under the influence of alcohol on the job.
The Research Institute on Addictions has studied addictions since 1970 and a research center of the University at Buffalo since 1999.
Those interviewed were asked:
- how often during the previous year they drank alcohol within two hours of reporting to work and how oftern they drank during the workday, worked under the influence or worked with a hangover
Based on those responses, the study estimates that:
- 2.3 million workers (1.8 percent of the workforce) have consumed alcohol at least once before coming to work
- 8.9 million workers (7.1 percent of the workforce) have drank alcohol at least once during the workday.
- 2.1 million workers (1.7 percent of the workforce) worked under the influence of alcohol
- 11.6 million workers (9.2 percent of the workforce) worked with a hangover
Some additional findings:
- workplace alcohol use and impairment was more prevalent among men compared to women.
- working under the influence of alcohol or with a hangover was more prevalent among younger workers compared to older workers and among unmarried workers compared to married workers.
- among the broad occupation groups showing the highest rates of workplace alcohol use and impairment were the management occupations, sales occupations, arts/entertainment/sports/media occupations, food preparation and serving occupations, and building and grounds maintenance occupations.
- workers on the evening shift and night shift and those working a nonstandard shift involving irregular or flexible work hours were more likely to report drinking before coming to work compared to workers on a regular day shift. Those working a nonstandard shift were also more likely to use alcohol during the workday and report being at work under the influence of alcohol.