Drug Screening Programs - Why They Are Increasingly Used by Employers

 

Employer drug screening programs have been in use for decades, but the idea is just now gaining traction. Drug testing is used in job applicants and employees alike as a method of determining whether or not drugs that are taken on the job will have any harmful effects on performance. In the past, employers were able to perform random drug testing, and if an employee was found taking drugs, it was perfectly acceptable. The idea of employers using their schools to drug test employees has always been a bit controversial, but it may become more widely used in the future. Here's why:

Employers who perform random drug screening on their employees will find that their costs will be much lower than those of schools that offer random drug testing. While schools can set their own prices, employers have no option but to pay the price they feel is right. Since most employees aren't offered a choice in drug screening, they are forced to submit to the drug screening. This can prove to be very costly for employers, which is one of the reasons they are considering making the change.

Many existing industries are already conducting drug testing on their employees

Most employers already conduct drug testing on their own employees. However, some companies, such as McDonald's, have been forced to begin offering drug testing due to the rising trend of drug addiction. According to a recent story in the Wall Street Journal, drug testing can help identify high-risk employees and help reduce turnover. Additionally, companies may choose to drug test their full workforce, or just a portion of it.

Employers can choose from different types of drug screening tests. Drug tests can be done by urinalysis, blood, breathalyzer, and even hair testing. Each of these tests has its own level of accuracy, but employers should always consider the overall quality of each drug screening test before deciding which one they will perform. Urinalysis tends to be the most accurate, but it is also the most expensive.

Why hair testing is not preferred much?

Hair testing cannot be done accurately, as it is quite messy and often involves multiple swabs. Breathalyzers can be inaccurate as well, but are relatively inexpensive. Blood tests are usually the most accurate, but they are also the most expensive. Smelly drug samples can also be a problem and can make employees feel uncomfortable and not want to work with the company that hired them. Employers need to carefully consider all of these things before deciding to implement drug testing.

Drug testing should only be performed on an individual if there is reason to believe that they may have used illegal drugs in the past. If an employee passes a drug screen, then that employee is a candidate for drug prevention programs. A positive test does not necessarily mean that someone is a drug user, but it does mean that they may be at high risk of being one. Employers who choose to implement a drug screening may reduce turnover and improve their chances of finding good employees who do not use illegal substances.  There are various consortiums that can be hired for employer drug screening like usadrugtesting.org.