Drug Testing in Workplace

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACTiii

Introduction1

Discussions1

Drug Abuse and Testing1

Why Employers Test?2

Maintain Workplace Efficiency.2

Provide Safe Workplaces3

Contain Medical And Benefit Costs3

Deter Drug Use3

Provide Rehabilitation.3

Why Employers Don't Test?4

Avoid Morale Problems4

Avoid Expenses4

Avoid Union Problems4

Avoid an Overreaction5

Avoid Litigation5

Preserve Individual Rights5

What about Current Testing Methods?5

Benefits of Drug Testing6

Using an Oral Fluid-Based Testing Method6

Policing Drugs8

Conclusions8

References9

ABSTRACT

Workforce at the workplace carries a responsibility and some ethics of the organization. Additionally the employees are bound to the rules and regulations of the organization as well as the country's legislations. These issues were concerned with the drug use and the testing in the workplace. The following research paper analyzes the both sides of the drug testing in the workplace, the reasons and the arguments that whether it should be conducted or not and the final conclusions that does the drug testing worth it or not?

Drug Testing in Workplace

Introduction

Drug testing has emerged as an important issue and has become significant safety issue in the workplace for the Human resources and the safety professionals. The concept and the realization for the drug testing have got much hype during the last years. The purpose is to lessen the impact from drug abuse in the workplace, including tardiness, absenteeism, turnover, attitude problems, theft, decreased productivity, crime and violence. The US Department of Labor estimates that drug use in the workplace costs employers $75 to $100 billion dollars annually in lost time, accidents, health care and workers compensation costs. Sixty-five percent of all accidents on the job are related to drug or alcohol, and substance abusers utilize 16 times as many health care benefits and are six times more likely to file workers compensation claims then non-abusers. (www.employmentdrugtesting.com)

Discussions

The following research will highlight the both sides of the drug testing in the workplace and the reasons and explanations for conducting the drug testing or not to conduct it.

Drug Abuse and Testing

Drug abuse in the workplace presents multiple challenges for employers, employees and associated constituencies such as insurers, suppliers, clients and shareholders. The illegal use of drugs and its impact on the workplace are increasing dramatically. Employers are implementing drug testing programs in order to: (Brian. Jan.1988)

maintain workplace efficiency,

provide safe workplaces,

contain medical and benefit costs,

deter drug use,

provide rehabilitation, and

serve community interests. (Brian. Jan.1988)

Many employers choose not to implement a drug testing program in order to avoid morale problems and preserve individual rights, among other reasons. Opponents argue that drug testing is inaccurate. However, the usual employer practice is a 2-step testing process that provides a confirmation. While human error may be a problem, the technology of drug testing is not. Some argue that drug testing is illegal under the US Constitution. However, while the Fourth Amendment does prohibit unreasonable searches and seizures, it applies only to searches and seizures by the government, an argument that is irrelevant to private business. (Brian. Jan.1988)

Why Employers Test?

Employers increasingly are implementing drug testing programmes in order to:

Maintain Workplace Efficiency.

Employees with drugs in their systems are one-third less productive. RTI estimated that the annual cost of drug abuse to employers ...