The Ultimate Guide to Drug Testing for Employers: Keeping Your Workplace Safe and Productive

Are you an employer who is concerned about the negative impact of drug use on your workplace? Do you want to ensure that your employees are safe and productive while on the job? Then it's time to consider drug testing as part of your employment policy.

In this ultimate guide, we will explore everything you need to know about drug testing for employers.

Why Drug Testing Matters?

Drug testing is an essential tool for employers to maintain a safe and productive work environment. Drug use can impair an employee's ability to perform their job duties and can lead to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Drug use can also lead to absenteeism, decreased productivity, and increased healthcare costs for the employer.

In addition to the safety and productivity concerns, drug use in the workplace can also lead to legal and financial issues for employers. For example, an employer may be held liable if an employee causes an accident while under the influence of drugs, and the employer knew or should have known about the employee's drug use.

Types of Drug Tests

There are several types of drug tests available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common types of drug tests used by employers include:

1. Urine Tests - This is the most common type of drug test used by employers. It is cost-effective and can detect drug use up to several days after use. However, urine tests may produce false positives and do not detect recent drug use.

2. Hair Tests - Hair tests are more expensive than urine tests but can detect drug use for up to 90 days. Hair tests are also more difficult to cheat.

3. Saliva Tests - Saliva tests are less invasive than urine or hair tests, but they have a shorter detection window of up to 48 hours.

4. Blood Tests - Blood tests are the most accurate type of drug test, but they are also the most invasive and expensive.

Employers should consider the type of drug test they will use based on their specific needs and budget.

Creating a Drug Testing Policy

Creating a drug testing policy is an essential step for employers who want to implement drug testing. The policy should outline the types of drug tests that will be used, who will be tested, and under what circumstances testing will occur. The policy should also specify the consequences for a positive drug test, such as termination or a referral to an employee assistance program.

When creating a drug testing policy, it is essential to comply with federal and state laws. The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 requires federal contractors and grantees to maintain a drug-free workplace. Additionally, some states have their own drug testing laws that employers must comply with.

Implementing Drug Testing

Once a drug testing policy has been created, it is essential to implement the policy consistently and fairly. All employees should be informed of the policy and understand the consequences for a positive drug test. Employers should also ensure that employees are tested in a manner that is respectful of their privacy.

It is also essential to train managers and supervisors on how to recognize the signs of drug use and how to handle situations where drug use may be suspected. Managers and supervisors should be trained on how to document and report suspected drug use and how to handle situations where an employee tests positive for drugs.

How to Choose a Drug Testing Provider?

Choosing a drug testing provider can be a daunting task, but it's important to find a reputable provider that will give you accurate results. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a drug testing provider:

Accreditation

Look for a drug testing provider that is accredited by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This ensures that the provider follows strict standards for drug testing and provides accurate results.

Testing Methods

Choose a drug testing provider that offers a variety of testing methods, such as urine, hair, and saliva tests. This ensures that you can choose the best test for your needs.

Turnaround Time

Consider the turnaround time for test results. Some drug testing providers offer same-day or next-day results, while others may take several days to provide results.

Cost

Compare the cost of drug testing providers to ensure that you are getting a good value for your money. However, don't choose a provider based solely on price, as quality and accuracy are more important.

Final Thoughts

Drug testing is an essential tool for employers who want to maintain a safe and productive workplace. By creating a drug testing policy and implementing it consistently and fairly, employers can reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and other negative consequences of drug use in the workplace. If you're an employer who is concerned about drug use in your workplace, it's time to consider drug testing as part of your employment policy.

Resources:

Drug Testing Policy for Pre-employment: https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/tools-and-samples/policies/pages/pre-employment-drug-testing-policy.aspx

Drug Testing Policy for Randam Testing: https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/tools-and-samples/policies/pages/random-drug-testing-policy.aspx