A presentation on how employers can deal with drug use issues in the workplace is to be held next week.

Vaughn Mosher, of Benedict Associates, a service provider for the Employee Assistance Programme, will speak on the state of the local drug culture and how employers can cope.

A buffet dinner hosted by the Construction Association of Bermuda will accompany the presentation at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club, starting at 6.30pm next Wednesday.

Researchers in the USA have found that heroin usage has increased fivefold in the last decade.

“Historically, trends that develop in the US tend to emerge in Bermuda,” Mr Mosher said.

“Employers are facing a greater risk than ever from a growing culture of impairment that shows no sign of tapering off any time soon.

“Customers are pressing for more than just efficiency and productivity and are now demanding that workers perform drug-free as an essential for higher safety levels and minimising liability issues.”

Mr Mosher will explain how companies, both large and small, can establish policies to help ensure safer, drug-free working environments.

Tickets for the event are $50 for CAOB members and $65 for non-members and must be purchased by Monday, September 11. Tickets are available by e-mailing caob@logic.bm, subject line: Dinner September 13