WESTFIELD-Illicit drug use in the United States has been on the increase and employers are at the forefront of finding ways to deal with the epidemic.
Attorney Timothy M. Netkovick of Royal, P.C., based in Northampton, will be the guest speaker at a Lunch and Learn program, sponsored by the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, on Sept. 10 at Western Massachusetts Hospital. His lecture is titled “The Impacts of Legalized Marijuana in the Workplace.”
Attorney Timothy M. Netkovick will present a lecture titled “The Impacts of Legalized Marijuana in the Workplace” next month at Western Massachusetts Hospital. (Submitted photo)
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration conducts the annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which focuses on substance use, abuse, and dependence among Americans 12 years and older. In 2013, the most recent year for NSDUH survey results, an estimated 24.6 million Americans aged 12 or older – 9.4% of the population – had used an illicit drug in the past month. This number is up from 8.3% in 2002. The increase mostly reflects a recent rise in use of marijuana, the most commonly used illicit drug.
“We love giving our chamber members an opportunity to do workshops for our members and non-members, as this is a great exposure for them on a topic in which they are the expert,” said Kate Phelon, executive director.
The lecture is slated from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the hospital’s conference room. The cost is $25 for chamber members and $40 for non-members. The deadline to register is Sept. 8.
Phelon noted that Lunch and Learn workshop topics affect businesses of all types and sizes.
“The workshops provide an opportunity to stay informed at a very low cost,” said Phelon. “Also, I am so pleased when members meet each other at these workshops, as not every member can attend every event – it’s another opportunity to network.”
Netkovick said he will share statistics about marijuana use in the state, the difference between Massachusetts and federal laws governing marijuana, and drug testing for illegal substances. Also, Netkovick will allow ample time for a question-and-answer session.
“Small business owners, human resource managers, and those with management responsibilities will benefit from this workshop,” said Netkovick. “”With recreational marijuana more prevalent now, employers are seeing the impact on workplace morale and workplace safety.”
Netkovick said the majority of the lecture will center on how an employer can protect themselves and the importance of having and enforcing drug-free workplace policies. Also, the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes will be addressed.
“Depending on how big the business is, the managers and human resource people are the first line of defense,” said Netkovick. “Managers and HR people need to know how to communicate properly to ensure they do not become a defendant in a lawsuit.”
Since Royal, P.C. handles labor and employment law, Netkovick noted the firm has seen a slight uptick from business owners about an employee’s use of marijuana.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” said Netkovick. “It’s important to know what to do before a lawsuit comes up that can cause a ton of time and aggravation.”
For more information on the lecture, call the chamber office at (413) 568-1618. Registration can be done by phone or via the website – www.westfieldbiz.org.
