What constitutes alcohol abuse under the Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace policy?

Alcohol abuse under the Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace policy is defined as possessing, selling, or using alcoholic beverages, or being under the influence of alcohol during work hours or in the workplace. This definition encompasses a range of behaviors that can negatively impact both individual and organizational performance, health, and safety.

Possessing or using alcoholic beverages in the workplace can create an environment that jeopardizes employee productivity and safety, leading to potential hazards and legal complications. Being under the influence of alcohol, particularly while performing job duties, poses significant risks, such as impaired judgment or reduced coordination, which can endanger not only the individual but also colleagues and clients.

The other scenarios—occasional consumption of alcohol at work-related functions, being under the legal drinking age, and drinking responsibly at business dinners—may not necessarily fall under the definition of alcohol abuse as they do not imply a consistent pattern of problematic behavior that harms workplace integrity or safety. Therefore, option C accurately captures the actions that constitute alcohol abuse in a workplace context.