Edinburgh Napier University

  A review is presented of evidence related to the epidemiology of alcohol-related problems
in employment and of policies to prevent or curb such problems. It is concluded that, although alcohol
use is associated with accidents, absenteeism and inefficiency, epidemiological data from most countries
are scarce. Available evidence is so limited that estimates of the extent or cost of alcohol-related
problems in the workplace are of dubious value. National responses to alcohol problems in employment
have been variable. A significant proportion of relevant published evidence relates to the U.S.A. It
appears that even there very few workplace initiatives have been subjected to rigorous assessment.
Limited evidence suggests that Employee Assistance Programmes for problem drinkers have reduced
subsequent health-care costs.