222: Drug/Alcohol Abuse*

Node Drug/Alcohol Abuse*

*This node is for descriptive purposes only. Code only to Personnel Performance; Individual Issue (#213).

Definition/Typical Issues

Is the individual abusing drugs or alcohol? Typical symptoms include:

  • Chronic inattention
  • Acute inattention
  • Frequent daydreaming
  • Easily distracted
  • Poor vigilance
  • Frequent illness
  • Poor psychological health

Note 1: The Personnel Performance Issue; Individual Issue (#213) node should only be used when the problem is isolated to one individual. If other personnel have difficulty performing the same task under similar circumstances, then other portions of the Root Cause Map™ should be used to code the issue.

Note 2: There should be management systems in place to detect and correct most (if not all) individual performance issues BEFORE an incident occurs. Therefore, the failure or absence of the management systems should be coded as well.

Note 3: Consider coding under the Personnel Hiring Issue (#209) node because there should be management controls to ensure that employees possess the required job capabilities prior to being hired. Also consider coding under the Supervision During Work Issue (#192) or Detection of Individual Performance Issue (#212) nodes because supervision should detect this problem.

Note 4: Code as Personnel Performance Issue; Individual Issue (#213) only. The 10 nodes beneath Individual Issue (#213) are included to provide the investigator with an understanding of the types of problems that might be categorized as Personnel Performance Issue; Individual Issue (#213). However, the investigator should NOT include these cause nodes in the investigation report.

Examples 

Example 1

  • A mechanic came to work drunk. The mechanic was stumbling while walking to the change house. Later, while operating a crane he dropped the load, damaging production equipment.

Typical Recommendations

  • Establish an employee assistance program and encourage workers to take advantage of it.
  • Disciplinary policies should be used to reinforce compliance with company rules and policies:
    • Discipline should be fair, impartial, prestated, sure, and swift
    • Enforcement needs to be consistent

Cross-References 

Maritime Element(s)
Node ID Node Name
255 Personal Medication Use/Abuse
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