Impairment: What Workers Need to Know (CCOHS)

When most people think about impairment, the use and effects of alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs likely come to mind. While these may be the most obvious sources, impairment can be caused by any substance or event that results in a lack of concentration, the inability to do a task, or the inability to make decisions. Examples can include bullying, life stresses, unresolved conflicts, and fatigue.

Because impairment is just like any other hazard that may affect the health and safety of workers, the employer must address impairment from all possible sources as part of their health and safety program. This Impairment: What Workers Need to Know online training course will help you learn about your role as a worker in recognizing and responding to workplace impairment. As a worker, it’s important for you to be able to recognize the signs of impairment in yourself and others and to learn about your organization’s policies and procedures to help make sure that everyone is treated fairly and has a safe place to work.

The course was developed by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS).

Course Learning Objectives

By taking this online Impairment: What Workers Need to Know course, the user will learn to:

• Describe the impact of impairment
• Understand the effects of alcohol, cannabis, and other substances or causes
• Know the importance of having a workplace policy and corresponding procedures about impairment
• Understand the roles of the employer, supervisor, and worker
• Describe the role of human rights in terms of impairment

Course Outline

This online Impairment: What Workers Need to Know course is made up of the following sections:

1. Defining impairment
2. Effects of alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs
3. Other causes of impairment
4. Workplace policies and procedures
5. Responsibilities and steps to take
6. Understanding human rights

Course Audience

This Impairment: What Workers Need to Know online training course was designed for workers in organizations of all sizes, across all industries and occupations.

If you have any concerns as to whether this course is appropriate for you or your industry, please browse our full selection of online courses.