The American Samoa Government has drawn up a Drug and Alcohol Policy to deal with employees experiencing drug or alcohol related problems in the workplace.
A bill approved by the Fono in October last year provides that appropriate and uniform alcohol and drug test procedures be established for all government employees, applicants for government jobs, elected officials, political appointees, contractors, subcontractors and independent contractora.
The drug tests, according to the law will be part of the application process for ASG jobs and any employee exhibiting behavior to create reasonable suspicion of the improper use of alcohol or illegal drugs, will be subject to drug tests.
The ASG Drug and Alcohol Policy, according to a press statement, aims to provide clear guidance on the management of staff with drug related issues in addition to taking a preventative approach which focuses on raising awareness.
Acting Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga said, “Any use of drugs and alcohol at work is not tolerated because it can affect the health and safety of ASG employees.This is a comprehensive strategy to educate members of the public, not just employees of ASG about the danger of drug and alcohol abuse.”
He added, “We cannot ignore this issue and people need to be made aware we have a zero tolerance approach.”
Under the policy, all employees entering the workplace may be tested by the Department of Health or LBJ Tropical Medical Center.
The use of any form of unauthorized drugs or alcohol on the job or the arrival of any person at the workplace under the influence of any form of drug or alcohol will be a cause for disciplinary action, up to and including, if appropriate, dismissal.
Department directors and managers will be assisted in implementing the policy and that includes developing measures to :
- deal with work performance and conduct problems caused by misuse or abuse of alcohol and other drugs;
- protect confidentiality,
- refer affected employees to counseling,
- provide education and information on the policy.
