Chain of Intervention
The consumption of addictive substances is a society-wide problem that has been receiving increased public attention. In the workplace, it becomes a topic whenever a person’s ability to do their work is impaired—as can occur when alcohol or illegal substances are consumed.
Problematic consumption can:
- incur significant costs
- be detrimental to our institution’s public image
- do lasting damage to the working and learning environment
At the same time, on-the-job substance abuse can frequently indicate that an employee is at serious risk of addiction. Employees who suffer from addiction typically end up losing their jobs sooner or later.
In order to keep employees who are in danger of addiction or already suffering from addiction involved in the working process, the workplace itself needs to deal with this topic—formulating a transparent and clear policy on what is to be done in such cases, accepting the fact that addiction is an illness, and offering support.
In the interest of providing such support, we have developed what we call a chain of intervention. It determines what is to be done when and by whom should workplace intoxication be noticed or suspicions arise pertaining to problematic consumption of addictive substances with effects on an individual’s work.
The chain of intervention also includes the provision of information on available assistance at and outside the mdw for affected individuals. Our graphic depiction of the chain of intervention to be activated in evident or suspected cases distinguishes between individuals who are suspected of having a problem and categories of individuals (students, colleagues, superiors) who take note of a possible problem.
Contact:
Gerda Müller
Vice Rector for Organisational Development, Gender, & Diversity
Head, Department of Human Resources
Tel.: +43 1 71155-6700
mueller@mdw.ac.at