Question of the Month
From the Catherwood Library reference librarians
January-February 2006
PLEASE NOTE: The Reference Question of the Month is kept current only during the month for which it was written. Archived questions will not be updated, and over time may contain inaccurate information or broken web links. We provide archived questions as a service, since much of the information will remain accurate and of continued interest to the ILR community.
Question: A recent study by the University of Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions says that 7 percent of Americans drink on the job during work days. Where can I find more information on alcohol in the workplace?
Answer: Alcoholism and drug abuse on the job are major workplace problems. In this recent study, Frone, research associate professor in Department of Psychology in the UB College of Arts and Sciences, estimates that 2.1 million workers (1.7 percent of the workforce) worked under the influence of alcohol and 11.6 million workers (9.2 percent of the workforce) worked with a hangover.
More information is available at the Research Institute on Addictions.
Another excellent place to get information and research about drinking on the job is the R. Brinkley Smithers Institute for Alcohol-Related Workplace Studies at the ILR School.
According to the Smithers Institute website, the Smithers Institute's mission is two-fold:
- "Conduct basic and applied research on the relationships between work, alcohol and other drugs, and related health issues. Studies conducted by the Smithers Institute have examined the workplace as a risk factor for alcohol and other drug problems and related health issues. Studies have also examined the efficacy of the workplace as an arena for the prevention and treatment of alcohol and other drug problems and related health issues. The Institute is a pioneer in the study of Employee Assistance Programs and Member Assistance Programs."
- "Disseminate information on its research to ILR students, labor and management, and public policy agencies concerned with the prevention and treatment of alcohol and other drug problems and health issues. In pursuit of this mission, the Institute publishes its research in peer refereed journals and practitioner publications, conducts workshops, and holds conferences."
Other Sources of Information on this Topic
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
- U.S. Labor Department Initiative - Working Partners for a Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace
- OSHA's Safety and Health Topics: Workplace Substance Abuse
- New York State's Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services
— Researched by DLD