Workplace Drug Testing
Some employers decide to drug test employees for a variety of
reasons, such as deterring and detecting drug use, as well as providing
concrete evidence for intervention, referral to treatment and/or disciplinary
action. Before deciding to conduct testing, employers should consider a few
factors, including:
Who will be tested? Options may include all
staff, job applicants and/or employees in safety-sensitive
positions.
When will tests be conducted? Possibilities including
pre-employment, upon reasonable suspicion or for cause, post-accident,
randomly, periodically and post-rehabilitation.
Which drugs will be
tested for? Options including testing applicants and employees for illegal
drugs and testing employees for a broader range of substance, including alcohol
and certain prescription drugs.
How will tests be conducted?
Different testing modes are available, and many states have laws that dictate
which may and may not be used.
The most common reasons employers
implement drug testing are to:
- Deter employees from abusing drugs and
alcohol
- Prevent hiring individuals who use illegal drugs
- Provide
early identification and referral of employees who have drug and/or alcohol
problems
- Provide a safe workplace for other employees
- Ensure
general public safety and instill consumer confidence that employees are
working safely
Employers also must be familiar with any local, state
and federal laws or any collective bargaining agreements that may impact when,
where and how testing is performed. It is strongly recommended that legal
counsel be sought before starting any testing program.
© 2009 Drug-Free Alliance