If you are an employer, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your employees are free of harmful drugs. The use of drugs of abuse may potentially affect work performance and/or safety. Drugs can negatively affect both the body and brain in numerous ways. They will most likely interfere with your suspected employee’s cognitive and physical capabilities. The employee in question may pose a potential hazard to everyone they work with or near. It is your duty to make sure the rest of your staff is out of harm’s way relative to a drug-impaired employee.
Testing for Drugs in the Workplace
If you suspect or simply desire to test your staff for drug abuse, it is crucial to put a workplace drug testing policy in place first. The policy should ideally notify employees of a few key areas:
- Clearly state a zero tolerance policy for drug abuse within the workplace
- All employees will be subject to random drug testing at administrator’s discretion
- Abusing drugs or working under the influence of drugs is a dismissible offence
The Benefits of Workplace Drug Testing
Regular drug testing in the workplace offers several advantages:
- Enhanced safety: By identifying potential drug users, you reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
- Increased productivity: Employees who know they may be tested are less likely to use drugs, leading to better focus and output.
- Lower healthcare costs: Drug-free employees tend to have fewer health issues, potentially reducing your company’s insurance premiums.
- Improved morale: Staff who don’t use drugs often appreciate a drug-free environment, boosting overall workplace satisfaction.
- Legal protection: In case of accidents, having a clear drug testing policy can help protect your company from liability claims.
Remember, consistency is key. Apply your drug testing policy fairly across all levels of the organisation. This approach helps create a culture of responsibility and mutual respect.
When implementing a testing programme, consider using a mix of random and scheduled tests. This combination keeps employees alert while allowing for planned screenings during specific periods, like after holidays or major events.
Workplace Drug Testing and Legislation
As the employer, it is your job to stay well-informed of the most current governmental legislation concerning workplace drug testing. If you suspect a staff member has a drug problem, it is in their best interest that you make every effort possible to assist them. Encourage them to get the professional help they need. Launch a drug awareness programme to promote knowledge regarding drug abuse. This should be for both staff and administrative managers if drug misuse is indeed an issue.
Zoom Testing supplies urine drug tests and saliva drug tests. Both types of drug test can be safely and reliably used by employers. For most companies we advise the use of multi panel drug tests as they can screen for multiple drugs at the same time. The use of drug tests should form part of a company drugs policy when introducing workplace drug testing.
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AL7000 Alcohol Breathalyser
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Photo by Jay/flickr/CC
This post was originally published in 2013. It was last updated in August 2024.
Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
