Page 13 - IEC Insights Jan-Feb2019

Let’s clear the
smoke on this issue –

the expanding
societal acceptance

and legalization

of marijuana
usage (medical or

recreational) poses a

substantial workplace
safety issue on

construction job

sites. Contractors
should take

immediate action
to address this

expanding risk.

MARIJUANA’S
NEGATIVE EFFECTS

Regardless of the strength of the
arguments for or against medical
marijuana usage for what are
understandably difficult personal
circumstances, none are more compelling
than providing a safe construction
worksite for employees and the public.
Construction workers must have full
use of their skills and faculties while
performing all aspects of their jobs.
Medical marijuana may have positive
medical benefits, but there are also
well-documented negative effects. Some
negative effects to the central nervous
system include changes in sensory
perception, altered thought formation and
expression, short-term memory problems,
and impaired thinking and learning.
Negative physical effects include impaired
motor performance, loss of balance and
coordination, decreased attentiveness
and alertness, prolonged response time

www.ieci.org | January/February 2019 | Insights Magazine 11