According to Drug-Free Workplace Act, employees require no explicit drug testing procedures in their workplaces. Even some states prohibited this practice and a federal employer can only exercise it with special requirement permissions. But, cases are not the same for private employers. They granted this drug testing right that includes a wide range of substances. Employers need to get themselves familiarized with applicable state & federal laws before adopting any drug testing program.
Imagine you are an employer & you want to test your staffs, then you need to have apparent reasons that support your cause. Let’s find out a few legitimate motives-
- Detecting any person with drug issues
- To ensure safety of the employees
- To claim the healthcare compensation benefits
- Rehabilitation of the employees
- To maintain a drug-free environment
Some promotional things need to be carried out if you are to implement your drug testing policy in the company. We might suggest some-
- Prevent hiring any person who is a drug addict
- Discourage the staffs from this practice
- Improve the workplace safety
- Promote customer safety
The Drug Testing Procedure
In common, the process start with a blood test. In some cases, hair samples are also taken for accurate results. But, the urinalysis is the most preferred method and the cheapest around too. However, some illegal drugs require special detection test rather than these common techniques.
What to do if Positive?
An employee with a positive result in the drug tests may undergo punishment or even termination depending upon the charges. Of course, when not found guilty, the employee can charge a defamation case for wrongful accusations. If the company is investing on reliable drug tests & ensuring test permission, then there is no need to be concerned.
Accurate Test Design
In order to analyze & administer drug test results,the company must choose a laboratory that is certified by NIDA (National Institute Of Drug Abuse).When accuracy & reliability is the main concern, only the competent laboratory can assure the safety of the company from defamation charges. Some labs don’t test every category of drugs, so it is important for the company to select one that is capable of testing a wide range of drugs.
Split sample methods are very effective. In this method only a small portion of the specimen will be tested initially while they will preserve the rest of it for future analysis. This step opens the options for re-testing if any question of accuracy arises.
As an employer you should have all the basic knowledge of the test procedures. You have to remember that error free & accurate results can render better outcome.
Being aware of the potential for false positives is equally important as well. It is seen that even counter medications yield positive results at times.
It is mandatory for the tests to include safeguards against fraud. Only the NIDA certified labs can provide fraud prevention techniques for the employers.
Drug testing in workplaces has become a modern practice &it is getting huge popularities day by day.