79 www.rnca.ca Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association Cannabis in the Workplace Can I be high at work? No.You do not have the right to recreationally use cannabis, or be impaired, at work. As always, you must work safely and ensure that you do not endanger the health, safety or physical well-being of yourself or others in the workplace. Does using weed impact workplace safety? Yes.Anyone working while impaired may put their life, and others, at risk. What is my role in workplace safety? As an employee, your role is to: • Always work in a safe manner • Discuss with your supervisor anything that might impair your ability to work safely (medical or non-medical) • Follow workplace policy, education and training • Report concerns to your supervisor With the legalization of recreational-use cannabis, does an employer’s responsibility change? No. Employers and supervisors must: • Protect the health, safety and welfare of employees • Control the consumption and possession of cannabis at work, as you currently do with alcohol • Enforce your workplace impairment policy • Accommodate employees with medical needs or disabilities (including disabilities from substance dependence) • Ensure human rights, privacy and labour agreements are not in conflict with impairment policies How can employers help prevent workplace injury due to impairment? Employers and supervisors should: • Develop and implement an impairment policy • Communicate the impairment policy to all staff • Recognize impairment • Act on or report a concern • Document incidents • Refer the worker to appropriate help or supports • Evaluate the need for accommodation (continued)
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