Prescription Drug Use on the Job
In many of the positions on campus, employees use machinery
or vehicles which could cause harm if used by an employee
experiencing a reaction to medication. Typical symptoms include
dizziness, drowsiness, slowed reaction time, blurred vision,
etc. Although a colleague may notice a change in behavior,
the affected individual may not be aware of the reaction causing
a temporary impairment in performance.
It is the goal of the University to do everything possible
to create and maintain a safe working environment for all
students, faculty, and staff. As part of our ongoing efforts
to do this, we ask that employees who work with machinery
or vehicles notify their supervisor or the Environmental Health
and Instructional Safety Office when their doctor or pharmacist cautions
them about possible side effects of the medication or medical
procedure. In some cases, a temporary modification of the
employee's duties may be possible.
Individuals who notice a colleague operating equipment in
a potentially unsafe manner should ask that person to stop,
explain what they have observed, and urge them to make their
supervisor aware of the reaction they are experiencing. Should
the person refuse to stop or if the situation recurs, the
person observing the unsafe behavior has an obligation to
report it to the employee's supervisor or to the Office of
Environmental Health and Instructional Safety.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping to create and maintain
a safe and healthy environment at the University.
Revised: 11/2005 SB