Substance Abuse, Misuse And Addiction

A comprehensive workplace drug testing policy favours both the employer and employees. In addition, it provides several benefits to the company during pre-employment and on the job.

Workplace Drug Testing Promotes a Safer Workplace

Workplace drug testing guarantees workplace health and safety. For example, it ensures that tasks that include handling potentially harmful chemicals, operating large machinery, or running vehicles for your business are handled by drug-free employees.
This prevents workplace mishaps that can result in huge losses, injuries, and even fatalities.

Safety Improvements Lead to Better Productivity

Workplace drug testing lowers accidents and creates a safe working environment. Employees are impressed by their employer’s commitment to ensuring a safe working environment when they realise that a drug-testing program follows strict criteria. This improves employee morale spurring them to work harder and more productively.

Drug Users Can Be Screened Out by Pre-employment Testing

Pre-employment drug tests are viewed as an unnecessary expense by some businesses. However, you quickly realise the importance of this test when you weigh the possible expense of dealing with a drug user among your staff. It is preferable to interview potential employees before letting them join the business to avoid employing a drug addict who may cause damage to your company.

Reduces Potential Violence/Conflict in the Workplace

Addicts who use drugs can act more violently, especially those who use stimulants like cocaine or ice. Your company can identify and deal with drug-using staff by implementing a drug-testing program before any conflicts or violent situations arise.

Creates A Healthier Workplace

Abuse of drugs has various health hazards. Workplace health can be considerably improved by the deterrent effect of drug testing at the workplace and employee education on these health dangers.

Workplace Drug Testing Reduces the Risk of Injuries and Accidents

Abusing substances at work can result in fatalities or serious injuries because it impairs decision-making, reaction time, and motor abilities. Therefore, employers should take reasonable precautions for their employees’ health and safety. One approach to do this is to put in place a program for drug and alcohol testing.

Reduces Worker’s Compensation Claim

One of the most significant advantages that a workplace drug testing program can offer to a business is the reduction in worker’s compensation claims. This is because 50–70% of workplace accidents involve employees who are drug or alcohol users.3 It will be easier for you to hold employees accountable for positive test results if your testing procedure conforms with state legislation, making it harder for them to pursue worker’s compensation claims. Furthermore, by implementing a drug testing policy, firms can lower their workers’ compensation premiums and reduce workplace accidents.

Reduces Employee Absenteeism

You can decrease employee absenteeism with a strict workplace drug testing policy. Employees impaired by drugs or alcohol miss more work than their sober coworkers. And when they show up for work, they may become preoccupied with unresolved personal matters, health challenges, or hangovers. Programs for testing for drugs and alcohol help workers overcome difficulties with drug addiction, which lowers absenteeism and increases their work output. Additionally, these initiatives aid companies identify early indications of drug usage among employees, enabling them to step in before the issue gets out of hand.