Reasonable suspicion training helps supervisors recognize substance use and impairment in the workplace. Trained supervisors observe changes in behavior and make a determination if the employee is under the influence and requires drug or alcohol testing, according to their company’s policy.
“The benefits of a drug-free workforce are well-researched and include fewer accidents, lower absenteeism and increased productivity,” said Dr. Rick Haggard, Freeman OccuMed Medical Director. “This training increases supervisors’ confidence in their role in identifying impairment and improving safety among the workforce.”
Freeman OccuMed purchased six goggles from Drunk Busters of America, LLC. The goggles individually simulate impairment while under the influence of marijuana, alcohol and sleep deprivation. The goggles work by utilizing vision distorting lenses to simulate a variety of adverse effects, including delayed reaction time and decision-making, disorientation, vertigo, impaired balance and coordination, and blurry vision.
One pair of Fatal Vision® marijuana goggles was purchased from Innocorp, Ltd. Rather than distorting vision, the goggles simulate cognitive dysfunction while under the influence. Through a series of specially designed exercises that rely on tinted goggle lenses and color-coded activities, the tinted lenses filter out visual cues and increase the participant’s dependence on short-term memory to complete the tasks. The loss of visual cues make it difficult to memorize the sequence of steps required to successfully complete the task, demonstrating the potentially severe consequences that come from impairment.
About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2019, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. With more than 300 physicians on staff representing more than 70 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.