Reduce Alcohol Use
Alcohol related harms (the negative consequences associated with alcohol use) are an important and growing health issue in Canada and a leading cause of injury and death.1 Drinking alcohol increases an individual's
risk for heart disease, stroke, liver disease and seven different types of cancer.2 In 2019, 77% of Albertans, aged 15 and older, had used alcohol in the last year.3 In 2021, Alberta
had more hospitalizations due to alcohol than to heart attack and stroke combined.1 Alcohol use also carries
substantial costs for workplaces, and society. In 2020, the cost of alcohol related harms in Canada
grew to $20 billion - costing more than any other substance, including tobacco. This includes $6.3 billion in healthcare costs and $7.9 billion in lost productivity.4
The use of alcohol can have negative impacts on work performance and present serious safety risks. Employees who use substances are three and a half times more likely to be involved in a workplace accident than coworkers and approximately 40% of industrial fatalities and injuries can be linked to alcohol.5 According to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, employers have the responsibility of providing a safe workplace.6 Workplaces have made strides in changing the acceptability of alcohol at the worksite. In 2009, only 14% of Alberta workers said that alcohol was allowed on their worksite compared to 40% in 1992.7
Workplaces can build a supportive environment for employees by developing policies, offering alcohol reduction programs and services, training and education and raising awareness of workplace supports and of Canada's Guidance on Alcohol and Health. Workplaces can help to reduce alcohol related harms and support healthy lifestyles by promoting a culture of moderation based on Canada's Guidance on Alcohol and Health. 2 Addressing alcohol use in the workplace, benefits both employers and employees. It contributes to better employee health, increased job satisfaction and reduced stress and depression.8 Employers benefit from reduced healthcare costs, lower absenteeism and higher productivity.8
- Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). Alcohol harm in Canada: Examining hospitalizations entirely caused by alcohol and strategies to reduce alcohol harm. Ottawa(ON): CIHI; 2017.
- Rehm J, Baliunas S, Brochu S, Fischer B, Gnam W. Patra J, Popova S, Sarnocinska-Hart A, Taylor B. The costs of substance abuse in Canada 2002. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. 2006.
- Statistics Canada. Canadian Tobacco Alcohol and Drug Survey. Ottawa (ON): Statistics Canada; 2013.
- Statistics Canada. Canadian Community Health Survey 2013-2014 Public-use. Accessed through Nesstar. Ottawa (ON): Statistics Canada; 2013.
- Government of Alberta. Occupational Health and Safety Act. Edmonton (AB): Government of Alberta; 2017. Available from: https://www.alberta.ca/ohs-act-regulation-code.aspx.
- Thompson A, Jacobs P, Dewa C. The Alberta survey of addictive behaviours and mental health in the workforce: 2009. Edmonton (AB): Institute of Health Economics; 2011. Available from: https://www.ihe.ca/publications/the-alberta-survey-of-addictive-behaviours-and-mental-health-in-the-workforce-2009
- Beirness D, Gliksman L, Butt P. Alcohol and health in Canada: a summary of evidence and guidelines for low-risk drinking. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse; 2011. Available from: http://www.ccsa.ca/Resource%20Library/2011-Summary-of-Evidence-and-Guidelines-for-Low-Risk%20Drinking-en.pdf.
- Alberta Health Services (AHS). Alcohol in the workplace. Alberta: AHS; 2017. Available from: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/hp/edu/if-hp-edu-amh-alcohol-in-the-workplace.pdf.
