Today’s business environment has become more fast-paced and highly competitive than ever before. A such, ensuring the health and safety of employees remains essential for the success of any organization. As part of that, workplace drug and alcohol screening remains a crucial tool to ensuring the safety of both your team, and your business.
In a 2021 NSC report, it was discovered that 34% (of 1,000 surveyed employees) observed cannabis usage during work hours. According to The Institute for Work & Health, this is of great concern because substance use at the workplace can cause people to become drowsy, affect memory, and lead to poor coordination while on duty.
While any one of these can present safety hazards, taken together, they can spell disaster.
According to the CDC, as of December 2021, more than have 103,000 people died of a drug overdose. The CDC states that when the investigation is complete; it expects the total number of people to be around 107,600.
The CDC also reports that 70% of people who have a substance use disorder are employed – alarming numbers all around. These individuals can affect the safety of lives, property, and operations on a worksite. [See more workplace and drug related statistics HERE.]
One of the most effective ways to promote a safe and healthy work environment is through drug and alcohol screening tests.
Related Article: Are You Compliant with OSHA Alcohol & Drug Testing Standard?
How Workplace Drug and Alcohol Screening Tests Are Carried Out
A workplace drug and alcohol screen is performed when a biological sample is collected and analyzed. Analyzing a sample takes from a few seconds up to 5 minutes, and will detect the presence or absence of drugs and alcohol or their metabolites in the sample collected.
In a workplace drug and alcohol screening, five types of drug and alcohol screening tests may be used:
- Blood test.
- Breath test.
- Hair test.
- Saliva test.
- Urine test.
These tests can help identify employees who may be using drugs or alcohol and provide an opportunity for early intervention and support.
So, when are such tests test appropriate?
OSHA Regulations on Drug and Alcohol Abuse Testing
In line with their mandate (to ensure safe and healthy workplaces), OSHA requires certain employers to conduct drug testing on their workers. They also lay out guidelines on when it is permissible for employers to conduct the tests, such as;
- Random testing
In promoting a drug-free work environment, employers may perform regular random testing on the employees.
- Reasonable cause/suspicion testing
If the employer has a reasonable suspicion an employee is intoxicated during working hours, they may require them to undergo a drug test.
- Pre-employment testing
After a job offer, the employer may require an employee to submit to a drug test before they start working.
- Post-accident testing
If an employee causes an accident (that results in injuries or would have caused injuries), the employer may demand a drug test to determine whether intoxication may have impaired them, etc.
Related Article: 10 Things Employers Should Know About Drug and Alcohol Testing
Benefits of Workplace Drug and Alcohol Screening Tests
1. Improving Workplace Safety
Drug and alcohol screening tests can help improve workplace safety by identifying employees under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on the job.
Impaired employees can cause accidents, injuries, and even fatalities in the workplace. By identifying and removing these employees from the workplace, drug and alcohol screenings can significantly reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injuries.
2. Protecting Employees from Harm
Drug and alcohol abuse can have a significant impact on an employee’s physical and mental health.
By identifying employees who may be struggling with substance abuse, workplace drug and alcohol screening tests can provide an opportunity for early intervention and support. This can help employees overcome addiction and get the help they need to recover and return to work as a productive member of the team.
3. Reducing Employee Turnover
Substance abuse can often lead to poor job performance, absenteeism, and increased employee turnover.
By identifying employees who may be struggling with substance abuse early on, drug and alcohol screening tests can provide an opportunity for support and treatment. With this support, employees are more likely to stay with the organization, reducing employee turnover and the costs associated with hiring and training new employees.
Additionally, employees who are under the influence in the workplace often frustrate, hinder, and endanger those around them. Employees who do NOT consume these substances are less likely to leave when they know their employer maintains a strong drug/alcohol policy.
4. Improving Organizational Productivity
Employees who abuse drugs or alcohol often have poor job performance, absenteeism, and decreased productivity.
By identifying employees who may be struggling with substance abuse, drug and alcohol screening tests can provide an opportunity for early intervention and support. This can help employees overcome their addiction and improve their job performance, leading to increased productivity and organizational success.
Or, if termination becomes the necessary course of action, replacing a substance-abusing employee with another employee can lead to a boost in productivity and increased morale.
5. Complying with Legal and Regulatory Requirements
Many industries are subject to legal and regulatory requirements for drug and alcohol testing.
Failure to comply with these requirements can result in significant fines, legal liability, and damage to your organization’s reputation. Workplace drug and alcohol testing can help you comply with legal and regulatory requirements, and avoid these negative consequences.
Bringing It Together
Drug and alcohol screening tests remain an essential tool for promoting a safe and healthy work environment.
They can help improve your workplace’s safety, protect employees from harm, reduce employee turnover, improve organizational productivity, and comply with legal and regulatory requirements. By identifying employees who may be struggling with substance abuse, drug and alcohol screening tests can provide an opportunity for early intervention and support.
Ultimately, drug and alcohol screening tests can help your organization achieve success by ensuring the health and safety of everyone involved.
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About Worksite Medical
In most cases, OSHA requires medical surveillance testing, and at no cost to employees.
Worksite Medical makes that program easier with mobile medical testing.
We conduct on-site respirator fit tests, as well as audiometric exams, pulmonary function tests and heavy metal lab work, right on your job site. We also keep accurate, easy-to-access medical records for your convenience. You’ll keep your employees at work, and stay ahead of OSHA inspections.
