Guidance for Employee Workplace Drug Testing.
Did you know that drug use in the workplace costs companies billions of dollars each year in lost productivity and increased healthcare costs? As a marketer, I understand the importance of maintaining a safe and drug-free workplace.
Our drug testing kits are the perfect solution for companies looking to maintain a drug-free workplace. With our easy-to-use tests, you can quickly and accurately screen employees for a variety of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, opioids, and more. Not only will this help ensure a safe work environment, but it can also save your company from costly legal issues and a damaged reputation.
Imagine a workplace where employees are focused, productive, and free from the influence of drugs. With our drug testing kits, you can make that a reality. Our tests are highly accurate and reliable, giving you peace of mind that your employees are drug-free. Plus, our affordable prices make it easy for any company, big or small, to implement regular drug testing policies.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take action now by ordering our drug testing kits for your company. With just a few clicks, you can have them delivered right to your doorstep. And as a special offer for our new customers, use the code “SAFETYFIRST” at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase. Help keep your workplace safe and productive with Help, Advice, and Solutions for Drug Testing. Order now and see the difference it can make.
Avoid the dangers of employees who abuse drugs. Use our popular workplace test kits to safeguard employees from accidents, boost productivity, and save money.
What tests do Employers choose?
Employers often choose 5 or 10 panel drug tests in a cup or dip configuration. The US Government recommends that the test detects at least five drugs (5-panel). The most popular include Amphetamines, Opiates, Methamphetamine, Marijuana, Cocaine, Ecstasy, and Heroin.
Oral Fluid Drug Testing is becoming increasingly popular in various settings, including workplaces, sports, and law enforcement. They are considered less invasive and more tamper-resistant than urine tests and can be administered quickly.
Oral drug tests, also known as saliva drug tests, are a type of drug test that detects the presence of drugs in an individual’s saliva. They are non-invasive, quick, and easy to use and detect recent drug use. Now FDA Exempt Oral Drug Screens are officially available for the workplace.
During an oral drug test, the individual being tested is asked to place a swab or sponge in their mouth, typically between the cheek and gum, for a few minutes. The swab or sponge is then removed and placed in a container for analysis.
Oral drug tests can detect a wide range of drugs, including Marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and benzodiazepines. They are beneficial for detecting recent drug use, as drugs typically stay in saliva for a shorter period than other bodily fluids, such as urine or blood.
Workplace drug testing.
Testing in the Workplace requires careful consideration; for instance, are you testing every employee or just safety-sensitive positions? Examples include working on a building site, driving vehicles, handling money, or working with dangerous chemicals.
Are you testing randomly as a condition of employment? What do you do if you reasonably suspect an employee uses drugs while driving a company vehicle?
These questions and considerations should be laid out in your employee handbook. It should clearly state how the company deals with drug use and abuse while employed by the company. We can provide a free bare-bones manual to get you started. And if you follow our guidelines, you will be successfully operating and managing your company’s drug-testing regime in no time. Our help will enable you to confidently perform drug tests on any or every employee.
Exposure to lawsuits as a result of accidents due to employee substance abuse is a real possibility. We cannot emphasize enough that you protect your company by drug testing your employees. And at the same time, you save thousands of dollars from lost earnings, theft, insurance claims, and productivity.
Prominent organizations already know and understand that their business’s integrity and customer satisfaction rely on their employees being drug-free. This is not just illicit street drugs but the abuse of prescription drugs too. Employers are looking to us for help and guidance on what to do, so we have assembled a selection of suitable drug test kits that detect the vast majority of prescription and illicit drugs abused today. Did you know the abuse of prescription drugs has become so severe that companies nationwide have adopted a no-drugs policy in their Workplace? Read this if you are not convinced.
Government Statistics.
- Approximately 74% of adults who use illegal drugs are employed
- Drug abusers take eight more sick days per year compared to a non-user,
- are five times more likely to file a Worker’s Compensation claim,
- are four times more likely to steal from employers and co-workers,
- are 3.6 times more likely to be involved in a workplace accident,
- are three times more likely to take sick days, which equals over 24 sick days per year
- and function at about 67% of their capacity.
- Employers who drug test their employees have experienced over 50% reduced workplace injury rates within two years of implementing a drug-testing program.
Guidance for Employee Workplace Testing.
Everyone knows the dangers of safety-sensitive areas in the Workplace; in most cases, accidents can be prevented, but no one can foresee a disaster-related to drug abuse. Theft, lower productivity, and absenteeism can also be attributed to abuse. As a result, companies are finding it ever more critical to test their employees. Employing a “no to drugs” policy will also reduce insurance and worker’s comp premiums. Managers are finding adopting a drug-free workplace policy minimizes the burden on the bottom line and increases profitability.
All in all, stopping the problem at the source is the obvious solution to a safe workplace.
Do You Have a Workplace Drug Testing Program in Place?
Drug testing is only one component of a comprehensive drug-free workplace program.
It would be best to have a written policy that clearly outlines the employer’s expectations regarding abuse. Train your supervisors on the signs and symptoms and their role in enforcing the policy. Educate your employees about the dangers and provide counseling and referral services to employees struggling with substance abuse with an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Download and Print the Drug-Free workplace policy.
Workplace Drug Testing.
Our goal is to help you limit your exposure to liability by providing some of the tools for a drug-free workplace. Starting up your “in-house” testing as opposed to using a “third party collector” (labs) can be so much more affordable and thus accessible to get going. There is plenty of help from government websites with sample policies and advice. A drug-free workplace can help you; the employer creates a cost-effective, safe, and healthy environment for every employee while saving costs and putting profit back on the bottom line.
“The first step to developing a simple employee policy will be to outline your stance against substance abuse.”
Workplace Drug Test Kits.
Companies can avoid the dangers of substance abuse in the Workplace with “Drug Testing Kits.” Supervisors find it easy to manage and administer testing by following the information on this page. Supervisors also use the information on our solutions pages to help maintain their workplace testing program.
The most common types of tests employers use are five (5) and ten (10) panel tests. The difference in price between five and ten panels is not very much, so try to use ten panels as the preferred option. Managers can refer to the Department of Transport website to help decide what drugs should be tested. Federally Mandated Organisations test for Cocaine, Opiates, Amphetamines, Methamphetamine, Ecstasy, Phencyclidine, Hydromorphone, Hydrocodone, and Marijuana. Customers often use this as a starting point, but you may want to add additional tests, such as Benzodiazepines and Oxycodone, to the test. Whatever you decide, we have what you need.
How to Process a Drug Test?
- Drug testing requires an administrator to document the process with a chain-of-custody form or testing record document. It documents the handling and storing of the employee’s sample from collection to completion. Correctly documenting the individual’s sample throughout testing is proof of the process.
- The first analysis is called a screen using a rapid drug testing assay; a confirmatory test will be required if the first analysis is presumed positive.
- The supervisor will send the presumed positive sample to a SAMHSA approved laboratory for further analysis. The laboratory will test the sample with Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. The test is highly accurate and provides specificity to help rule out any false positives from the initial screen.
How to Determine a Positive Result?
Manufacturers set their test kits to detect the presence or amount of a drug found in a sample to a specified level. The result is positive if a drug or its metabolite exceeds that level. It’s known as the cut-off level. Drug test kits with FDA clearance adhere to these levels, so you need not be concerned.
What is the Role of a Medical Review Officer and Drug Testing?
A Medical Review Officer (MRO) is a licensed physician responsible for reviewing and interpreting the results of drug tests in the Workplace. The MRO plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of drug testing results and protecting employees’ privacy and rights.
The primary responsibilities of an MRO include:
- Reviewing drug test results: The MRO reviews drug test results to determine if they are positive or negative and to ensure that the testing process was conducted correctly.
- Investigating alternative medical explanations: If a drug test returns positive, the MRO will investigate whether there are any alternative medical explanations for the result. For example, certain prescription medications or medical conditions may produce false positive results.
- Communicating with employees: The MRO communicates with employees to discuss drug test results and potential medical explanations for positive results. The MRO also ensures employees understand their rights and options in drug testing.
- Maintaining confidentiality: The MRO is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of drug test results and ensuring they are only disclosed to authorized individuals.
Overall, the role of the MRO is to provide an independent and objective evaluation of drug test results and protect employees’ rights and privacy in the drug testing process. By ensuring the accuracy and integrity of drug testing results, the MRO helps employers maintain a safe and drug-free workplace.
Why Should I Implement Workplace Drug Testing?
Implementing workplace drug testing can provide several benefits for employers, including:
- Safety: Drug testing can help create a safer workplace by reducing the risk of accidents caused by employees under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This can help protect employees, customers, clients, and the general public.
- Productivity: Drug testing can help improve employee productivity by reducing absenteeism, tardiness, and on-the-job mistakes caused by drug or alcohol use.
- Legal compliance: Some industries are required by law to conduct drug testing, such as transportation and aviation, to ensure safety and comply with federal regulations.
- Reduced healthcare costs: Drug testing can help identify employees struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, allowing them to receive treatment and potentially reducing healthcare costs associated with addiction.
- Improved company image: A drug-free workplace can help improve the company’s image and reputation, particularly in industries where safety and accountability are essential.
It’s important to note that drug testing is not a substitute for other safety measures, such as proper training and equipment. Employers should also ensure that their drug testing policies comply with federal and state laws and that employees are informed about the policy and their rights.
Pre-Employment.
- The HR department will generally ask applicants to take a drug test before full employment to prevent employing an individual who abuses drugs. Applicants agree to be tested as a condition of work if they fail to produce a negative test.
Reasonable Suspicion.
- Supervisors often justify drug testing when an employee shows signs of unusual behavior. A manager may ask them for probable cause or reasonable suspicion. Supervisors document visible signs and symptoms that lead them to suspect drug use. It is essential to have precise, consistent behavior definitions to justify drug testing. Another supervisor or manager should corroborate their behavior. Since this type of testing is at the discretion of management, it requires careful, comprehensive supervisor training. Employees suspected of drug use or violating policy should not return to work while awaiting a reasonable suspicion test.
Customers often use a Reasonable Suspicion checklist to help with assessing employees. You can download your copy of the Checklist.
Post-Accident.
- Since property damage or personal injury may result from accidents, drug testing after an accident can help determine whether drugs are a factor. Although the results of a post-accident test may assess drug use, a positive test result cannot prove that drug use caused the accident. Test the employee as soon as practically possible. Most of all, it is recommended that post-accident drug testing is completed within 2 hours of the incident. Finally, employees should not be allowed to return to work until the final test result is complete.
Random drug testing.
- Managers randomly test employees on an unannounced basis. They set up a random testing pool taking their social security or employee number for identification purposes and waiting for their computer-generated selection. As a result, each employee is randomly selected from the workforce and has an equal chance of being selected for testing.
Periodic drug testing.
- Managers will set up periodic testing, usually scheduled in advance, but depending on employment nature, it could be quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly. Employees generally accepted this process, but employees can prepare themselves by abstaining from drug use several days beforehand to avoid detection.
What is a Drug-Free Employee Policy?
A Drug-Free Employee Policy is a set of rules and guidelines established by an employer to ensure that employees are not using or under the influence of drugs or alcohol while at work. This policy is typically implemented to promote a safe and healthy work environment, reduce the risk of accidents, and maintain productivity.
The specific requirements of a Drug-Free Employee Policy may vary depending on the company and industry, but it typically includes:
- A statement prohibiting drug and alcohol use: The policy should clearly state that using, selling, or possessing illegal drugs or alcohol in the Workplace is prohibited.
- Drug and alcohol testing: The policy should outline the procedures for drug and alcohol testing, including when and how testing will be conducted.
- Consequences for violating the policy: The policy should specify the consequences for employees who violate the drug-free workplace policy, including disciplinary action, termination, or referral to a drug or alcohol treatment program.
- Education and training: The policy should provide employees with education and training on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and the company’s expectations for a drug-free workplace.
Employers may also offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) that provide confidential support and counseling to employees struggling with drug or alcohol addiction.
Employers must ensure that their Drug-Free Employee Policy complies with federal and state laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state-specific drug testing laws. Employers should also ensure that the policy is communicated clearly to all employees and consistently enforced.
Workplace programs range from basic to comprehensive. The organization’s size, the workforce’s nature, and the resources available may well affect your decisions. Supervisors who assess their Workplace can determine which components are practical and beneficial; they tailor the policy to suit their business needs. The manager who writes written policies helps employees understand their content. Train all employees, and tell them what it’s all about.
The Department of Labor’s online Drug-Free Workplace Program has handy tools to help employers develop a customized workplace policy. You can review different comprehensive plan components and then generate a written policy statement based on your responses to pre-set questions and comments. Most managers seek legal consultation before commencing a program.
Free Workplace Drug Testing Pack.
Workplace Testing kits are the perfect solution for employers. These packages include the tools you need to operate and maintain on-site testing. It will determine if your employees or job applicants are abusing unknown substances by identifying recent use of prescription and illicit drugs. Each pack includes full instructions so you can confidently test and have an affordable, fully managed regime at your place of business. We have other tools to help you achieve testing with confidence.
In conclusion, drug and alcohol abuse is a severe problem in the Workplace. I know what you say: “Nobody abuses drugs in my business.” There are plenty of statistics that say the contrary!
Follow our recommendations for testing each employee. Please note the test results using our free drug testing sheet. Always use a purpose-made Specimen Container or drug test cup to collect the donor’s urine. You may also consider using a Specimen Validity Test as this can quickly identify an employee who is trying to mask their drug use by adding an adulterant to their specimen. Always, yes, always check and notarize the sample temperature. Finally, if you find traces of unknown powder or pills, we have tests for them too.
Drug testing articles
- Workplace testing.
- Workplace policies and procedures.
- Questions and Answers.
- How to Choose the Right Test?
- Identifying Drug Abuse.
- Effects of Drug Abuse
- Drugs of Abuse Chart
- Urine drug testing facts
Valuable resources.
- Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association (DATIA)
- Drug-Free Workplace Advisor
- Office of Drug & Alcohol Policy & Compliance (DOT)
- Workplace Resource Center (SAMHSA)
- Employee Assistance Trade Association
- Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA)
Disclaimer: This page is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. The reader is responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws relative to drug testing.