Why Employee Drug Testing For Recent Use of Alcohol and Drugs Is Good For Your Bottom-line…
Drug testing is one action an employer can take to determine if employees or job applicants are using drugs. It can identify evidence of recent use of alcohol, prescription drugs and illicit drugs. Currently, drug testing does not test for impairment or whether a person’s behavior is, or was, impacted by drugs. Local, state and federal laws allow private employers to implement workplace policies regarding drug testing. These federal agencies offer assistance to employers to implement these policies for a drug-free work environment. A written policy should be written If a small business requires employees to be tested for illegal substances. The policy educates the employees and proves the employer is following regulatory guidelines.
Safety
Alcohol and drug abuse creates significant safety and health hazards and can result in decreased productivity and poor employee morale. It also can lead to additional costs in the form of health care claims, especially short-term disability claims. Common reasons employers implement drug testing are to…
Deter employees from abusing alcohol and drugs
Prevent hiring individuals who use illegal drugs
Be able to identify early and appropriately refer employees who have drug and/or alcohol problems
Provide a safe workplace for employees
Protect the general public and instill consumer confidence that employees are working safely
Comply with State laws or Federal regulations
Benefit from Workers’ Compensation Premium Discount program
Workplace safety is often the main reason for employee drug testing.
Regulations
Believe it or not, more than 70% of illicit drug users are employed. This statistic is quite sobering when you consider the dangerous and expensive problems that can result from drug abuse in the workplace, ranging from lost productivity and increased health insurance claims to debilitating injuries and even death. Although all companies have the option to test employees for drug and alcohol use, there are some industries that require drug testing.
Some state and federal regulations require employees in specific industries be drug tested before and during employment. Agencies such as the U.S. Department of Transportation require drug testing for many occupations related to transportation. Other industries, such as health care and education, may also require workplace drug testing and in most cases, are regulated by each state.
Public Relations
When a company’s reputation relies on its employees performance and professionalism some organizations administer drug testing to show their integrity. The company may use this information in their advertising to gain the trust of consumers for their products and services.
Benefits of Drug Testing
Employers and employees share many of the same goals. Both want to see the business succeed, and they both know that for the business to succeed it must be competitive and deliver on the bottom line. Businesses that do not drug test employees can attract job candidates who cannot obtain employment elsewhere because of substance abuse. Drug testing ensures the hiring of a more effective work force that in turn results in a return on investment in drug testing that far outweighs the cost of a program.
Many states have regulations related to employee drug testing for workers’ compensation plans. Employers who comply with these regulations receive discounts and additional workers’ compensation benefits. Many health care insurance providers also provide group benefit discounts for employers who implement workplace drug testing. Drug testing can significantly reduce the overall cost of benefit programs provided by employers. Along with discounted benefit programs, at least 30 states have laws to disqualify employees from receiving unemployment compensation if the employees are in violation of workplace drug policies.
Prevention The Wrong Employees From Applying
When employers preform random drug test that alone may deter and prevent employees for using drugs. It also may prevent drug users from applying for a position at the company.
Background Bureau provides comprehensive background checks, drug tests, and tenant screenings to clients who want to reduce the amount of time, money and paperwork it takes to protect themselves from potential employees, tenants, or partners who have had troubled histories.
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