19.2 million 'under the influence at work'

NEW YORK - There may be an alcohol problem brewing in American offices, shops and factories.

An estimated 15 per cent of the workforce drinks alcohol on the job, has a drink before going to work or otherwise is under the influence of alcohol, a study by the University of Buffalo suggests.

The figure equates to about 19.2 million workers impaired during the workday via intoxication, withdrawal or hangover.

"Clear policies should be in place regarding alcohol impairment and impairment at work," wrote researcher Dr Michael Frone.

"But despite management's responsibility for the development and enforcement of such policies, managers report elevated rates of consuming alcohol during the workday, working under the influence of alcohol, and working with a hangover," he said.

The institute said the study, the first of workplace alcohol consumption to use a representative sample of US workers, surveyed 2805 employed adults between 2002 and 2003.

Young, single men figured prominently among those who were affected by alcohol, the results showed.

Drinking on the job, being under the influence or working with a hangover was more prevalent among men than women, more common among younger workers than older staff, and among unmarried workers than married workers, the study found.

Coming into work with a hangover was the most common finding.

The highest levels of alcohol use and impairment were in management, sales, catering and construction.

"Of all psychoactive substances with the potential to impair cognitive and behavioural performance, alcohol is the most widely used and misused substance in the general population and the workforce," Frone said.

"The misuse of alcohol by employed adults is an important social policy issue with the potential to undermine employee productivity and safety," he added.

The institute said that 10.8 per cent admitted they either drank at work, before work or turned up with a hangover but that it happened less than once a month, while 2.9 per cent said it was a monthly occurrence and 1.65 per cent said weekly.

Groggy business

15 per cent of the workforce drinks before or during work or is suffering a hangover.

Young, single men figured prominently among those who were affected by alcohol.

Being affected by alcohol was more common among younger workers than older staff, and among unmarried workers than married workers.

Coming into work with a hangover was the most common finding.

The highest levels of alcohol use and impairment were in management, sales, catering and construction.

- REUTERS