KEY TAKEAWAYS: A drug testing program is an effective way to keep your employees healthy and safe. A company’s workforce should be able to trust their colleagues with safety, which sometimes requires a detailed plan of action.

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Drug use, particularly opioid use, is spiking in Canada, and it is not just an urban problem. Many rural communities are seeing an increase in both drug use and overdose deaths, a phenomenon that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and shows no sign of slowing. Experts blame an increasingly potent and toxic supply of opioids filtering out from cities like Toronto. This is a huge problem for employers who are also dealing with the fallout of the increase in alcohol consumption and recreational drug use that accompanied the pandemic.

In response, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) recently implemented mandatory drug and alcohol testing requirements for its high-security nuclear sites across Canada. Other public agencies may follow suit, and it may be time for both private and public companies to consider investing in a drug testing program. Here’s why.

1. Mitigate Safety Risks

There is no question that drug use in the workplace increases safety risks for your workers and the public. It’s been definitively linked to increased work-related accidents and injuries by organizations such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and others.

The use of illicit drugs or abuse of prescription drugs impacts a worker’s judgment, alertness, perception, and even motor coordination, making it more likely they will suffer an accident or make a poor decision. It may be particularly concerning for those in safety-sensitive positions.

These poor decisions do not just put that solitary worker at risk. They can put all of your workers and the public at risk too. Safety concerns are the primary reasons for the drug testing mandates governed by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) and US organizations such as the US Department of Transportation (DOT).

2. Boost Productivity and Performance

Drug testing aims to reduce substance use, substance abuse, and the adverse effects it can have on job performance and productivity. Drug abuse on the job can lead to poor decision-making, tardiness, sleeping on the job, and a loss of focus. Reducing drug use through a robust drug testing program can eliminate these effects and ensure your workers are alert, efficient, and can comprehend dangerous situations. Clear heads also mean better motor coordination and improved emotional states. Additionally, drug testing can help your company reduce the absenteeism that is a direct result of the after-effects of drug use.

3. Manage Costs

Accidents, lost productivity, and human error are all costly problems often associated with drug use. A drug testing program can serve to mitigate these costs in 2 ways. First, it can act as a deterrent, discouraging both individual use at work and the possibility of an epidemic of use that can occur when drug abuse is unchecked. Secondly, drug testing allows you to identify problems earlier in the process and provides you with an opportunity to offer both treatment and support. Both of these can help your company reduce the costs of drug use in your workplace. These costs for society and workplaces are substantial, reaching over $46 billion annually in Canada. In the US, drug issues cost employers over $100 billion every year.

4. Improve Company Image and Culture

Pervasive drug use can negatively impact your company culture, leading to a lack of trust among employees and a feeling of vulnerability. It can lower company morale, leading to higher turnover or a lack of employee loyalty. However, it isn’t just your company culture that can be affected by a drug use issue in the workplace. Increased errors or safety concerns can impact public perceptions of your organization as well. When company morale is lowered, you can lose good workers, and when your public image is affected, you could lose sales, both of which can have disastrous consequences for your business or organization.

5. Improve Employee Heath

All too often, employees view drug testing as a punitive measure, but drug testing is actually about protecting your employees. While a positive drug test result is not proof of a drug problem, it can indicate one. A well-rounded drug testing program provides an opportunity to offer rehabilitation and other employee assistance benefits, potentially as part of an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). It can also offer the opportunity to provide accommodations until recovery is complete. All of this keeps your workers safe and ensures productivity.

6. Address Workplace Violence and Illegal Activities

Drug use can lead directly to other illegal activities, such as selling illicit drugs. Drug use and prescription abuse are directly linked to increased workplace violence and harassment. Mitigating drug use in the workplace through a drug testing program demonstrates your unwillingness to tolerate the effects of drug abuse, including workplace violence and illegal activities. It shows your employees that you place a high value and priority on their ability to come to work in a safe space. Employers should also consider developing a written policy to take advantage of the benefits of background checks while avoiding many of the pitfalls that accompany them.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Drug Of Abuse Tests. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

7. Reduce Company Liability

Drug testing can help reduce company liability and risk, particularly as it relates to safety concerns. Employers may be able to identify issues before they turn into serious problems. A drug testing policy reduces volatility and demonstrates a reasonable effort to mitigate problems.

In Conclusion

The ballooning drug use problem does not have to become a problem for your company. A drug testing program can help you catch and mitigate potential risks and ensure your workers get the help they need.

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Updated December 28,

5 Key Benefits of Implementing an Employee Drug Testing Program

Impact of Drug Abuse in the Workplace

Drug abuse and misuse in the workplace is a significant issue n the United States, impacting many workers across various industries. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), reports that 68.9% of all drug users are employed with one-third of employees aware of illegal drug sales at their workplace, according to the TN Department of Labor & Workforce Development.

Workplace drug abuse can have negative consequences for both employers and employees. It can lead to a loss of productivity, an increase in absenteeism, high turnover rates, an increase in theft, and a decrease in the quality of work produced. It can also pose serious health and safety risks for workers and customers, especially in safety-sensitive jobs such as truck drivers, air traffic controllers, and healthcare professionals.

Advantages of Workplace Drug Testing Programs

One way to prevent and reduce illicit drug use in the workplace is to implement a drug testing program. A drug testing program can help employers identify and address substance use disorders among their employees, as well as deter potential drug users from applying for or working at their company. A drug testing program can also protect employers from legal liability and reduce workers' compensation costs.

5 Benefits of Employer Drug Screening:

1. Brand Protection: It only takes one embarrassing incident due to drug use to permanently stain the reputation of your business. For example, negative news coverage or a bad review left by a dissatisfied customer can cost your business significantly.

2. Supporting Employee Safety: Some jobs are dangerous to perform even if a person is completely sober. Drug use can impair a person's judgment, coordination, reaction time, and alertness, which can result in accidents, injuries, or fatalities.

3. Pre-emptive Risk Avoidance: A company may decide to screen all potential hires to prevent problems that can arise from persistent drug use. Drug users may have higher rates of absenteeism, turnover, theft, and poor performance than non-users.

4. Workplace Fairness: A drug testing program can create a level playing field for all employees and ensure that everyone is held to the same standards. It can also prevent favoritism or discrimination based on drug use or non-use.

5. Employee Assistance with Treatment and Recovery Solutions: A drug testing program can help employers identify their employees who need help and offer them information, resources, and referrals to treatment programs. This can help employees overcome their substance use disorders and improve their health and well-being.

Drug Testing Methods and Legal Considerations:

There are different types of drug tests that can be used in the workplace, such as urine, saliva, blood, hair, and breath tests. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on factors such as cost, accuracy, detection window, and invasiveness.

In many states, there have been sweeping changes in laws about the use of certain types of drugs. A substance that once was illegal may be legal for medicinal or even recreational use. When establishing an employment drug policy, it might make sense for an organization to take these factors into account.

The Value of Compliance Expertise in Drug and Alcohol Screening Programs:

Before establishing a policy, a company should consult with a professional TPA, such as Vault Workforce Screening, to ensure the program is compliant with any and all laws and regulations. Additionally, some employment drug policies may not apply in specific instances, such as when an employee uses a drug to improve their ability to focus or to ease pain that may prevent them from performing physical labor.

Ethical Implementation of Employer Drug Screening:

A drug testing program must be fair, consistent, and respectful of employees' rights and privacy. It should also be accompanied by detailed and consistent education and awareness communications, as well as support and treatment options for employees who test positive for drugs or have substance use disorders. A drug testing program should not be used as a punitive measure or a substitute for good management practices. This also aids in early identification and intervention but also promotes a culture of compassion and assistance within the organization.

Advancing Towards a Safer, More Productive Work Environment

Drug abuse in the workplace is a serious issue that affects both employers and employees. By implementing a drug and alcohol testing program, companies can help ensure a safe, healthy, and productive drug-free workplace.

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