Drug Testing in the Workplace is Critical: Because 79% of Drug Users are Working.
Is drug testing in the workplace a necessity? Take a look at the numbers. Statistics show that 47% of workplace accidents that result in serious injury and 40% of workplace accidents that result in death involve drug and/or alcohol use. Therefore, it is universally accepted that a drug-free workplace (DFWP)is essential for safety-minded employers.
Drug testing in the workplace is necessary for a myriad of reasons, the strongest of which being the importance of safety in the workplace. A safer workplace is always a more productive workplace. Drug testing in the workplace empowers all employees with the peace of mind knowing that individuals who might pose a threat to the overall safety of the workplace are being monitored and held accountable for their actions. Individuals are then able to focus on their own responsibilities and not have to worry about monitoring or picking up the responsibilities of their fellow employees. This allows people to work to their full potential.
There are other benefits to drug testing in the workplace in addition to safety. Drug testing in the workplace will help identify and remove employees who are not contributing their full potential. Again, take a look at the numbers. In addition to posing a liability to safety, people who use drugs or alcohol in the workplace are more frequently tardy or late to work and also miss more days of work than employees who do not abuse drugs or alcohol.
Of course, drug testing in the workplace is not something that can be implemented overnight. A drug test administered in the workplace will only make an impact if the workplace also has a well-defined, written substance abuse policy. Such a policy will explain the responsibilities of the employees and employer, identify available avenues and resources for help, outline prohibited conduct and define what constitutes a violation and, consequences. The actual drug testing itself can take many different forms (including random, pre-employment, etc.)
So how can you implement a drug-free workplace (DFWP) program in your business or organization? An DFWP program is much more than drug-testing in the workplace. An effective DFWP program consists of five elements that, together, provide a full, comprehensive management and training program designed specifically to meet the needs of your company.
