The Importance of Employer Drug Testing
A business that fosters a drug free workplace is a business that customers can trust. Every year, more employers incorporate drug testing into their hiring process. In some industries like construction, manufacturing, and emergency services; working while under the influence can cost not just money, but lives. Don’t risk your company’s reputation and the safety of your workers. Learn how employer drug testing can save your company from disaster and the resources that are available to you.
A Drug-Free Company Culture
Managers and employees should work together to foster a substance-free workplace. Managers can start by posting a written policy regarding drug testing and drug free workplace policies before and after the hiring process. Employees should be aware of random drug testing requirements and understand that substance use is incompatible with the conditions of their employment.
An effective drug-free workplace program includes written materials, ongoing education and training, an assistance program to help employees discontinue existing drug use and finally drug testing. While drug testing isn’t mandatory in all industries; DOT required drug testing, for example, helps protect transportation workers and customers from potential accidents. Work with your top-level executives, managers and supervisors to determine the ideal drug-free workplace policy for your company.
Mandatory Drug Testing
By law, employees in certain fields must undergo drug testing before employment and random drug testing thereafter. Workers in the airline, trucking, pipeline, railroad and transit are required to participate in drug testing including random drug testing. If you want to implement a drug-free policy at your company, you can start with pre-employment drug testing at one of our nearby drug testing clinics. Testing most often involves taking a urine sample. Other options include require hair follicle testing, breath alcohol testing, saliva and oral fluid drug testing and blood samples.
Workplace Safety
The primary objective of drug testing is to ensure a safe workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) supports drug free workplace programs for employees that work with heavy-duty equipment, machinery, or vehicles. A drug-free worker is more likely to identify, avoid, and prevent workplace hazards and help co-workers do the same. Even if your company operates outside of these fields, drug testing can help protect you from costly mistakes that can ruin business partnerships and tarnish your public image.
The Costs of Workplace Drug Abuse
The U.S. Department of Justice reports that drug abuse costs U.S. businesses over $100 billion each year. Common substances include prescription opioids, methamphetamines, heroin, ecstasy, cocaine, and marijuana. Drug testing minimizes the risk of loss and protects your company from liability due to substance-induced decisions.
Public Image
Customers want to know they can trust a company, especially if they are looking for a service. A company committed to drug-free practices can gain an advantage over competitors who have yet to adopt a policy.
Employer Benefits
In several states, employers who enforce drug testing policies may be eligible for workers’ compensation savings and other insurance discounts. For example, a healthcare insurance provider may offer group benefits, helping to minimize the cost of healthcare programs offered to employees. If an employee is discharged due to a violation of their company’s drug-free policy, they may be ineligible to receive unemployment benefits. After an accident, in many cases a positive drug or alcohol test will result in the denial of a worker comp claim. This saves the company and the insurance company a lot of money.
National Drug Screening offers both non-regulated and DOT required drug testing, including same-day orders, across the United States. Drug testing clinics are open during regular business hours to conduct drug and alcohol tests. Experienced lab technicians carefully analyze every test result for potential issues. All final test results are reviewed and verified by a medical review officer (MRO). Employers can also order a write-up or revision of a drug free workplace policy.
