Are you Required to Have a Drug Free Workplace Program?

Based on certain Federal or State laws many businesses are required to have a Drug Free Workplace program.  This article will outline the requirements of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988.

The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 requires some Federal contractors and all Federal grantees to agree that they will provide drug-free workplaces as a precondition of receiving a contract or grant from a Federal agency. All covered contractors and grantees must maintain a drug-free workplace.  There are six major requirements for covered contractors or grantees to follow:

1. Publish and give a policy statement to all covered employees informing them that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the covered workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees who violate the policy.
2. Establish a drug-free awareness program to make employees aware of a) the dangers of drug abuse in the workplace; b) the policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace; c) any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs; and d) the penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations.
3. Notify employees that as a condition of employment on a Federal contract or grant, the employee must a) abide by the terms of the policy statement; and b) notify the employer, within five calendar days, if he or she is convicted of a criminal drug violation in the workplace.
4. Notify the contracting or granting agency within 10 days after receiving notice that a covered employee has been convicted of a criminal drug violation in the workplace.
5. Impose a penalty on—or require satisfactory participation in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program by—any employee who is convicted of a reportable workplace drug conviction.
6. Make an ongoing, good faith effort to maintain a drug-free workplace by meeting the requirements of the Act.

Note: A contractor or grantee who fails to comply with these requirements is subject to certain penalties.