A drug test determines the presence (or absence) of illegal or prescription drugs in a person’s body. It is done for different purposes, such as criminal investigations and sports events, but it is widely known as a part of quality control processes for employees/workers.
Common Drug Test Methods:
Urinalysis
This is a popular form of drug testing because of its simplicity and low cost. It is usually used to check for common illegal drugs like cocaine, phencyclidine, amphetamines or methamphetamines, and opiates. This can also detect marijuana.
Saliva Testing
This method involves swabbing the person’s inner cheek to get a saliva sample, which is then brought into a laboratory for analysis. As saliva collection is fast and convenient, this method is often used for onsite drug testing.
Blood Testing
Blood screening produces highly accurate results, as it can trace the parent drug/s used, not just the metabolites. Despite its accuracy, it is not often favored by test subjects as it is invasive (and expensive, too).
Hair Testing
Hair testing has become recently popular because of its wide window for detection. Drugs can remain in hair follicles for up to 90 days, so even if a drug user abstains for a few weeks before the test, they will still be found out.
Why Drug Testing Is Needed in the Workplace
Whether a part of the pre-employment process or a routine checkup for employees, drug screening can vastly help a business. Let us elaborate on the reasons and benefits further.
1. Prevent Accidents/Injuries
As substance abuse can impair judgment and motor skills, people under the influence of drugs may cause harm to themselves or those around them, whether intentional or not. For example, a driver who is high at work might get reckless and hurt himself, his passengers, and/or pedestrians.
When employees are screened for drugs, such risks can be minimized. This is why the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires drug screening for “safety-sensitive” employees such as bus drivers and train operators.
2. Maintain or Increase Productivity
If employees come to work intoxicated, they can lose their focus. Their mood swings can also get erratic. In short, they are more likely to be unproductive. No employer wants their employees slacking through the day.
Substance abuse also poses health risks, like a weakened immune system and heart or liver strain — all of which can cause frequent absences among employees. This can be an immense problem, especially for small businesses. If they are understaffed, the workers who are present might not perform to their full extent because of increased workload and stress. This can also negatively affect the business as a whole.
3. Reduce Expenses
While screening still entails expenses, it can help a company save money in the long run. Relative to what was discussed above, the risk of damages and injuries can be minimized if workers are confirmed sober. This helps the company avoid paying for unexpected repairs and/or medical bills.
Having pre-employment screening also reduces costs by deterring substance abusers from getting hired. It is better than hiring but firing them afterward once found out to be positive for substance use, as time and money would have been wasted on training and compensation by then.
4. Create and Maintain a Good Image for the Business
Being branded as a “drug-free workplace” is good for any company. This just shows that the organization does not tolerate any substance abuse and misuse. It also indicates that the company is a safe place to work, attracting suitable job candidates and customers.
Nowadays, bad news or reviews about a business can easily spread through social media. Any drug-related incident that happens within a company, if publicized, can quickly ruin its reputation.
5. Prevent Illegal Activities
Substance use in the workplace can lead to other illicit activities such as selling and distribution of drugs inside or near the premises. Again, this will be bad for business if found out by the authorities or the media.
Screening cuts any potential link to unlawful activities by deterring drug users from getting into a company. This gives the business little to no chances of coming in contact with narcotics dealers and traffickers.
Drug screening is very beneficial for a company and its employees. Thanks to onsite drug testing, the process is now very manageable and affordable, as there is no need to bring or send employees to a third-party laboratory or facility. Sample collection and analysis can be done in the office or job site, and the results can be obtained on the spot.