Implementation Guideline for CSA Z1008, Management of impairment in the workplace, with a focus on impairment due to substance use

1.1 Inclusions

This Standard specifies requirements for management of impairment in the workplace while providing specific requirements and guidance for impairment due to substance use, following occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) principles, as they apply to

a) development of a management of impairment in the workplace policy;

b) management commitment and leadership;

c) key roles and responsibilities;

d) participation and consultation of workers;

e) communication, education, and training;

f) initial review and needs assessment;

g) hazard identification in the context of impairment in the workplace;

h) risk assessment;

i) risk control;

j) reviewing control measures;

k) stay at work/return to work;

l) accommodation;

m) compliance to the policy and related program; and

n) monitoring, evaluation, and continual improvement.

1.2 Exemptions

This Standard does not specifically address

a) workplace disability management systems (see CSA Z1011);

b) workplace fatigue management;

c) prevention programs for environmental hazards or other factors that can cause impairment, such as ergonomics, confined space entry, noise, or extreme weather (see CSA Z1004, CSA Z1006, CSA Z1007, and CSA Z1010);

d) diagnosing a substance use disorder;

e) specific workplace substance testing procedures;

f) applicable human rights legislation;

g) applicable OHS legal requirements; and

h) all aspects of mental health.

1.3 Terminology

In this Standard, "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Standard; "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.

1.4 Units of measurement

The values given in SI units are the units of record for the purposes of this Standard. The values given in parentheses are for information and comparison only.