According to a study published by the U.S Dept. of Justice, 8 percent of full-time employees and 10.2 percent of part-time employees are illicit drug users. Due to this staggering number, 84 percent of companies now require drug testing for employment (Source: DrugFree.org).
Employee drug use puts your entire workforce at risk of accidents—leading to serious injury or even death. And it also proves to be extremely costly for companies. Drug use is reported to cost U.S employers $276 billion annually—accounting for decreased productivity, absenteeism, injuries, medical, employee theft, etc.
If your company does not currently require drug testing for employment, the time is now to implement a drug screening policy that will protect you, your employees, and your company’s future. Here are the top five best practices in workplace drug testing.
1. Communicate Your Position on Drugs in the Workplace
Inform your employees. Make sure everyone in your workplace knows the company’s stance on drug use. Develop a policy that addresses pre-employment and post-employment drug screening—including the company’s right to request a random drug test for any employee—from entry level to executive.
2. Create Formal Guidelines
With a urine test, after 2-3 days, most drugs are likely to be less traceable. It is a best practice to require employees to report for testing within 24 hours of when the drug test request is announced. If the employee does not report for the test within 24 hours, a hair follicle test should be administered—seeing as evidence of drug use can be found in a hair follicle for up to 3 months.
3. Keep Test Results Confidential
Your company should take every step possible to ensure that all drug test results are kept confidential—out of respect for the employee, as well as to avoid legal ramifications. Limit the access to this information and minimize the disclosure of any related details.
4. Split Sample Testing
With split sample testing, the specimen is split into two specimen containers. In the event the sample is found to have evidence of drugs, the employee can request the second urine sample be tested at a different lab—which will confirm or dismiss the original test.
5. Utilize A Reputable Drug Testing Company
Partnering with an experienced drug screening provider will help make certain that all drug testing efforts are performed legally and in alignment with all compliance requirements. A reputable provider will also be able to contract a Medical Review Officer (MRO) to review all positive test results.
Integrating a workplace drug testing policy will improve your company’s work environment in a variety of ways—reducing risks of accidents, and improving morale by showing employees the importance your company places on maintaining a healthy, safe workplace.
If you would like to learn more about employee drug testing programs, contact eVerifile today.