Spot the Signs
A dependable employee suddenly becomes unusually quiet, had bloodshot eyes, and keeps dropping tools. What concerns you?
Possible impairment, fatigue, illness, or another safety concern.
Don’t assume drug use, but recognize the signs and report concerns according to company policy.
Myth or Fact: Drinking coffee or taking a cold shower will sober someone up enough to work safely.
Myth. Only time lowers blood alcohol levels. Coffee may make someone feel more awake but does not improve judgment, coordination, or reaction time.
You smell alcohol on a coworker before the shift starts. What should you do?
Report the concern to your supervisor immediately.
What is the biggest danger of operating landscaping tools or equipment while impaired?
You could seriously injure yourself, a coworker, or the public because your judgment, reaction time, and coordination are affected.
If an employee tests positive for THC, are they automatically fired?
No. Under Scotch Boy’s policy, the employee may be placed on a 180-day probationary period with follow-up testing and restrictions. Failure to correct sobriety or another positive test can result in dismissal.
Name three common signs that someone may be impaired at work.
Myth or Fact: If marijuana is legal in your state, it's okay to use before coming to work as long as you don't "feel high."
Myth. Legality does not change company policy. Employees must be fit for duty and free from impairment while working. Marijuana can impair reaction time, judgment, and coordination even after the feeling of being "high" has worn off.
A coworker says, “Don’t tell anyone—I only had a couple beers at lunch.”
Report it. Safety comes before friendship.
Name two handheld tools or powered tools that become more dangerous when reaction time, balance, or focus is impaired.
Examples: trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, edgers, grinders, saws, drills, or any powered cutting tool
What is the goal of a drug- and alcohol-free workplace?
To protect employees, coworkers, customers, and the public.
A coworker has become increasingly irritable, is making poor decisions, and has had several near misses this week. What should you do?
Notify a supervisor. Don’t confront them alone or ignore the behavior.
Myth or Fact: Prescription medications are always safe to take before operating equipment because they were prescribed by a doctor.
Myth. Many prescription medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, slowed reaction time, or impaired judgment. Employees must report medications that could affect safe job performance.
You suspect a worker is impaired but aren’t sure. Should you confront them?
No. Notify your supervisor and let management follow company procedures.
A crew member is trained on a mini skid loader but seems unusually tired and distracted today. What should happen before they operate it?
They should not operate it until a supervisor checks on the concern and confirms they are fit for duty.
Name three situations when Scotch Boy employees can be required to take a drug or alcohol test.
Any three:
True or False:
You can always tell if someone is impaired just by looking at them.
False.
Many impairing substances have few obvious outward signs.
Myth or Fact: A person can appear completely normal but still be impaired enough to increase their risk of causing an accident.
Fact. Impairment isn't always obvious. Judgment, reaction time, and decision-making can be affected before obvious physical signs appear.
A coworker is acting strangely while operating a skid steer. What is your first priority?
Protect everyone’s safety. Stop work if necessary and notify supervision immediately.
What are three things an operator must stay aware of when using landscaping equipment like a mower, skid steer, trencher, tractor, or mini excavator?
Any three:
What happens if an employee refuses a drug or alcohol test or tampers with a specimen?
It is treated the same as a positive test and results in termination.
Besides drugs or alcohol, what are three things that can look like impairment?
Examples:
Myth or Fact: Fatigue can impair your ability to work safely in a way that is similar to alcohol or drug impairment.
Fact. Fatigue slows reaction time, reduces attention, and increases poor decision-making. Scotch Boy's policy specifically lists fatigue as a condition that can make an employee unfit for duty.
Your best friend at work asks you to cover for him because he’s “not feeling right today.”
Never cover for impairment. Report concerns and help prevent someone from getting hurt.
Scenario: A coworker says they took medication that makes them drowsy but still wants to run the trencher to “get the job done.” What should you do?
Stop the task, keep the area safe, and report the concern to a supervisor. They should not operate equipment while impaired or drowsy.
After a workplace accident, how soon should alcohol testing be performed? How soon should drug testing be performed?
Within 2 hours, and no later than 8 hours after the accident. Drug testing should occur within 8 hours, but no later than 32 hours.