Drug testing at work is a common practice in many businesses. Nevertheless, despite its lengthy history, it is still a contentious practice.
Many business owners are baffled when they weigh the advantages and disadvantages of workplace drug testing since there are conflicting views on how to strike the right balance between worker privacy and safe working conditions.
Although workplace drug testing has numerous advantages, you should be informed of a few possible issues before proceeding. What you should know is as follows.
Benefits of Drug Testing at Work
1. It works to create a workplace that is safer
The notion that workplace drug testing supports employee health and safety may be its largest benefit. It is evident that workers who use or misuse drugs put the safety of others at risk.
This is particularly the case for occupations that need a high level of safety, such as those that require handling dangerous substances, running large machinery, or operating cars for your business.
The likelihood of a workplace mishap is greatly raised if any of them are working while under the influence of their preferred narcotic, whether it be meth or alcohol.
Nevertheless, any workplace mishap may result in huge damages, injuries, and even fatalities, irrespective of the business. If that occurs, your business will be exposed to a wide range of liabilities and PR problems.
2. Cut down on possible legal liabilities
Employers could be held legally responsible for workplace accidents. Especially if the employer failed to preserve a safe workplace and the accident resulted from that failure. There is no method for a business to proactively identify employees who use or misuse drugs in a way that puts everybody in the workplace in danger without conducting drug tests at work.
Hence, a workplace drug testing regime partially exemplifies an employer’s efforts to maintain a secure working environment for all employees. Drug testing at work can lower the number of mishaps there, which lowers the risk of legal action against companies.
3. Drug testing at work aids employees with drug issues
While it is true that some businesses instantly fire a worker who tests positive for drugs, frequently in compliance with the company’s drug and alcohol guidelines, many considerate employers genuinely offer such individuals a second opportunity.
Workers with drug issues can stand to gain from drug tests in workplaces with structured drug and alcohol testing programs, particularly if they work for companies committed to assisting them in any manner possible.
When employees test positive for drugs, many businesses assist them by paying for their entry into treatment centers or recovery programs. In this approach, workers have a chance to quit using drugs and get sober.
In addition, without the burden of having to find, hire, and train a new person for the position, firms may continue to use the experienced worker when the program is through.
4. It is less intrusive than most people think
It is uncommon for blood to be drawn during a workplace drug test. The majority of firms employ oral saliva swabs or urine samples. These are simple to use and deliver trustworthy findings quickly.
All positive drug test findings must be independently validated for authenticity by an approved drug testing facility, as is the case with all drug tests.
5. Better productivity results from increased safety
Fewer accidents as a result of drug testing are a very solid sign that a place of work is actually healthy to work in.
Knowing that their bosses are doing all possible to ensure everyone’s safety while at work will only drive employees to work harder and more productively.
The overall job performance and staff morale of businesses with extensive workplace drug testing programs have improved tremendously.
When a drug testing procedure is in place, accidents become less common. The same thing has been seen in terms of punctuality, embezzlement, absenteeism, and behavioral issues.
Speaking of the importance of improving productivity, establishing quality workplace training programs go hand in hand with improving overall employee productivity and efficiency.
6. Decreases the likelihood of violence or conflict at work
Drug users frequently exhibit somewhat more violent behavior, especially those who are addicted to stimulating substances like cocaine or methamphetamine.
The organization would be able to find ways to deal with drug-abusing personnel before any episodes of outbreaks of violence ever occur, thanks to the adoption of a drug testing regime.
Drug testing at work has disadvantages
1. Lawsuit for unfair dismissal
Drug testing at work is frequently at the center of lawsuits alleging unfair dismissal. When an employee is fired after testing positive for illicit substances, they frequently file a lawsuit claiming they were unlawfully fired. The plaintiff might still suffer financial loss even if they win their case.
After all, legal actions are expensive, and the personnel working on the case must divert their attention from other tasks. To avoid many of these issues, a strong, transparent drug policy is necessary.
2. Workplace drug testing is an extra cost
The expense of maintaining a program to test employees for drugs at work is clearly the biggest drawback for companies.
It is expensive to hire drug testing businesses for the program, that is. A business may spend around $25 and $50 per individual, based on the drug test technique employed.
The wait between a first positive test result and also the follow-up test, which must be performed by an authorized facility, can also be rather long.
Your worker is not permitted to work at this time. This is only one of the benefits of working with a professionally networked drug testing facility. With your positive test findings confirmed in this way, they may act swiftly.
3. Concerns about privacy invasion
Additionally, there is a general aversion to workplace drug testing, which is mostly based on the argument that it violates employees’ rights to privacy. Supporters of this stance often reference particular state laws as evidence.
Employee animosity can grow as a result of a company’s insistence on workplace drug testing, which frequently results in decreased productivity and, consequently, lower income for the company.
Conclusion
In conclusion, drug testing at work is still crucial for businesses. This is especially true in today’s environment of readily available booze and drugs.
