From Happy Hour to Work Hours: The Impact of Alcohol Testing in Workplace Culture

Alaska has the most work-time drinkers, with 67% of workers admitting to drinking on the clock, according to recent survey statistics for 2023 by Zippia.

Alcohol use has contributed to workplace-related injuries and accidents, potentially compromising overall workplace safety. In these instances, the implementation of alcohol testing is necessary for employers to assess the situation and determine the appropriate follow-up actions. In Alaska, 19.4% of adults reported binge drinking in the past month (America’s Health Rankings).

What is a Breath Alcohol Test?

Alcohol is directly absorbed through your stomach and small intestine before being absorbed into the bloodstream. A breath alcohol test measures the amount of alcohol in the air you exhale and determines the blood alcohol content (BAC) in your body. 

The legal limit in the US when driving for the BAC is 0.08. According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, the average size to stay under the limit for men is no more than 2 standard drinks in the first hour and 1 drink per hour after that, while no more than 1 standard drink per hour for women. A result is considered positive when the blood alcohol content reaches a certain level based on weight and other factors.

What are the Benefits of Alcohol Testing in the Workplace?

  • It promotes a safer workplace and reduces accident risks
  • It increases employees productivity and efficiency
  • It enhances workplace culture when employees comply with safety standards and regulations 

MedPhysicals Plus uses an intoximeter, which is considered the leading provider of breath-alcohol testing since 1945. We use advanced equipment that can directly determine the blood alcohol concentration of an individual and report this directly to the employer. 

At MedPhysicals Plus, we have certified breath-alcohol technicians standing by to keep your workforce safe and responsible. Our team can complete breath-alcohol tests at your jobsite or company office, just like we can at our own facilities across the state.

We also offer DOT-compliant tests for all DOT-sensitive functions and post-accident testing. You can count on us! Visit https://medphysicalsplus.com/breath-alcohol-testing/ today!

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/alcohol-breath-test#accuracy

https://blog.employersolutions.com/breath-alcohol-testing/

https://www.gurmuoccmed.com/blog/breath-alcohol-test-for-employment/

https://www.breathalyzer.co.uk/5-reasons-for-alcohol-or-drug-testing-in-the-workplace/