Introduction
Establishing a drug-free workplace is crucial for employers to keep a check on workplace safety. There are a variety of factors that need to be taken into consideration when implementing drug-free workplace policies, which have been discussed in the subsequent segments.
Drug and Alcohol Testing Solutions for Employers
A workplace drug testing policy and associated solutions are immensely beneficial to ensure workplace safety. If implemented correctly, adhering to state-specific (and federal) laws, a drug testing program can help the organization as a whole. There is an array of drug and alcohol testing solutions that can be implemented for the same, which include the following:
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Pre-Employment Workplace Drug Tests
Employers generally perform pre-employment drug tests to discern candidates with potential drug or substance use issues and make an informed hiring decision based on the results. However, since certain prescription drugs may result in the candidate testing positive, a medical review officer should be engaged to seek legitimate reasons for testing positive.
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Random Drug Tests
One of the best ways to check illegal drug use and substance abuse among employees at the workplace is to perform drug tests at random. This is all the more crucial for certain job roles, such as the transportation industry, to ensure complete safety.
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Annual Drug Tests
Annual drug tests are an effective solution to ensuring the employees are aware of and periodically reminded of the drug-free workplace policy. Since every employee undergoes annual drug tests in a workplace that implements this solution, it also helps prevent preferential treatment or discrimination.
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Reasonable Suspicion Drug Tests
Reasonable suspicion drug tests are useful to rule out the possibility of drug use or to make an employment decision in case of inappropriate or unusual behavior at the workplace. When an employee exhibits behavior that may cause suspicion of being under the influence of drugs or illegal substances while on the job, the employee may give reasonable suspicion drug tests.
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Post-Accident Drug Tests
When an accident occurs, performing post-accident drug tests helps determine the potential involvement of drugs that may have resulted in an accident. This type of drug test solution is commonly a part of the drug testing protocol for the US Department of Transportation (DOT)
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Return-to-Duty Drug Tests
These drug tests are performed for individuals who successfully finish a treatment or rehabilitation program for drug abuse. It helps ensure the employee is no longer at risk of using drugs and illegal substances.
Why is Drug Testing So Effective?
Employers have used drug tests in different industries for several years. One of the reasons drug tests are actively used not only during the hiring process but also to assess employees’ overall performance (especially behavioral performance) is that it is an effective means of ensuring employees understand and comply with drug-free workplace policy.
While a range of drug tests can be used to determine the presence of a drug in the sample being tested, each procedure has its own level of effectiveness. Certified third-party drug testing agencies understand the efficacy of different drug tests and can help employers ensure enhanced effectiveness. Therefore, when employers work with professionals, the results of the drug tests performed are very effective as a proper testing process is followed to ensure the validity and accuracy of the results.
The Benefits of Drug Testing Program for Employment
While there are several advantages and disadvantages of drug testing programs for employment, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages in most cases. With that said, here are some of the benefits of drug testing programs for employment:
- Encourage employees to be more responsible
- Identify employees who need help with drug use
- Ensure the safety and health of employees and customers
Program Components
- Written Policy – The drug testing program should have a written policy underlying the workplace policy and employee rights highlighted in the policy.
- Employee Education – The employer should seek informed consent from the employee before testing them, and they should be educated about their right to not consenting a drug test and their right to defend a positive test.
- Supervisor Training – Supervisors overseeing the drug testing program should be trained to go about the process systematically while considering the policy, employee rights, and guidelines of the Drug-Free Workplace Act.
- An Employee Assistance Program – The employees who take drug tests should be provided complete assistance and support in accordance with the guidelines of the Drug-Free Workplace Act.
- Drug Testing – Employers should work with certified professionals and employment drug screening program companies to perform drug tests. A certified medical review officer should be employed to seek legitimate reasons from the employee in case of positive results.
What Drugs Do We Test for?
The most common tests employed at the workplace are those that help screen individuals for alcohol and drugs, such as marijuana, opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamines, and nicotine.
Understanding the Importance of A Drug-Free Workplace Policy
A drug-free workplace policy is very crucial to ensure the safety of all employees, clients and customers, and the general public. It also helps ensure that the management and the employees of the workplace work in harmony to ensure this shared goal is met to promote a safe and healthy work culture.
How to Implement A Drug Testing Policy
A drug testing policy depends largely on the needs of the company. Therefore, before implementing a drug testing policy, you must understand the needs of your company. Having a clear and concise written policy is essential to ensure employees understand the regulations and practice compliance. Drug testing, especially random tests, should be a part of the policy based on certain physical, psychological, and behavioral signs stipulated by the company to take timely action.
Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1998
The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1998 came to be to ensure federal contractors and grantees have a drug-free workplace to receive a grant or contract from Federal agencies. These contractors and grantees are required to meet the requirements of the Act to achieve a workplace free of drugs.
Bottomline
A drug-free workplace is essential to ensure the complete safety of employees and customers. Therefore, every organization must develop policies that promote a drug-free work culture and check drug use through occasional or periodic drug testing solutions.