The dangers of alcohol abuse

Alcohol significantly influences your vision and hearing, reaction time, decision-making abilities, and motor skills. According to several studies, it has been estimated that more than half of all motor vehicle accident fatalities are attributable to alcohol. This reminds me of the shocking statistics released in 2018 by the Road Traffic Management Corporation, showing that more than 134,000 people had lost their lives on South African roads over a 10-year period.

According to a 2018 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), South Africa’s per capita alcohol consumption is one of the world’s highest. This may correlate to a road traffic death rate that is reportedly double the global rate, and the fact that an estimated 40% of these deaths are pedestrians. 

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that can decrease physical and cognitive abilities. Even in modest amounts, it can impair a person’s ability to focus, make judgments, and respond swiftly to unforeseen circumstances. This can have negative effects at work, especially in positions requiring accuracy, coordination, and quick thinking. 

Alcohol consumption in the workplace has been linked to an increase in near-misses, injuries, and accidents. An understanding of the relationship between alcohol consumption and workplace accidents is crucial for fostering a safe and productive work environment. Employees who misuse alcohol may be inebriated, impacting on their productivity and posing a safety risk to coworkers. Notably, statistics reflect recurrent occupational accidents and an increase in workplace violence. 

Employers and employees should work together to put these preventive measures into place in order to reduce the risks of alcohol-related workplace accidents:

Education and awareness: Employers should hold frequent training sessions to inform staff members of the risks associated with alcohol abuse in the workplace, and how it can affect safety. 

Establish explicit alcohol policies that indicate expectations of employee conduct and the consequences for breaking alcohol-related rules. 

Make Employee assistance programmes (EAPs) available to staff members who need assistance with problems related to alcohol. Employees can be encouraged to seek assistance via confidential counselling and resources, before their alcohol use has a detrimental impact on their work. 

Promote a strong safety culture at work by highlighting the value of taking personal responsibility and considering the safety of one’s co-workers and oneself. 

For the purpose of fostering a secure and effective work environment, it is essential to understand how alcohol affects both cognitive and physical capacities. Workplaces can effectively lower risks associated with alcohol-related incidents and establish a safer environment for all employees by implementing preventive measures, increasing awareness, and developing a culture of safety. 

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) occupational health and safety (OHS) workshops/webinars: Saiosh holds regular CPD OHS workshops/webinars for its members. The face-to-face workshops are held in areas where most members are situated: Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. Quality speakers facilitate the workshops and topics are carefully selected to keep members up to date with the latest developments in the field of OHS. 

Members attend for free and bookings are done via easy online registration. CPD points are instantly uploaded to members’ online profiles when marked in attendance at the workshops. The workshop schedule is listed on the Saiosh Events Calendar. 

Saiosh also hosts regular health and safety webinars on the Saiosh YouTube channel.