The Department of Labor is recognizing Oct. 16-22 as Drug-Free Work Week and is encouraging all employers to participate. According a department release, the goal of the week will be to educate employers, employees and the general public about the importance of being drug-free as a component of improving workplace safety and health.

"Drug-free workplace programs advance worker safety and can be a life-changing resource for workers who have drug or alcohol problems," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "Members of the Department's Drug-Free Workplace Alliances understand this and during Drug-Free Work Week will be promoting effective programs focused on detection, deterrence, and assistance for workers who need it."

Throughout the week, the department and Drug-Free Workplace Alliance members will conduct activities to help employers, supervisors and workers understand how to implement effective drug-free workplace programs that focus on detection and deterrence while also offering assistance and support for workers who may have problems with alcohol or drugs.

The Drug-Free Workplace Alliance is the Labor Department's first-ever cooperative agreement focusing exclusively on improving worker safety and health in the construction industry through drug-free workplace programs.