The U.S. Dept. of Labor is again asking employers to participate in its Drug-Free Work Week in October, to highlight that being drug free is key to workplace safety and health and to encourage workers with alcohol and drug problems to seek help.

The construction industry is the focus, of its higher than average rates of worker alcohol and drug abuse–a serious concern given that it also tops the list of industries with the highest rates of workplace accidents and injuries, according to DOL, but since drug-free workplace programs benefit all workplaces, employers and employees in all industries, not just construction, are encouraged to take part in Drug-Free Work Week.

DOL encourages interested employers to visit the Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace Web site at www.dol.gov/workingpartners for resources and tools on how to participate.