5 Reasons Why Your Business Needs Drug Of Abuse Tests？

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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Maintaining a Safe and Productive Workplace

In today's competitive business environment, maintaining a safe and productive workplace is paramount. One effective strategy to achieve this is through employment drug testing and enforcing a drug-free workplace policy. According to a Quest Diagnostics report, employment drug test positivity rates are rising, with 4.6% of non-safety sensitive specimens processed at their laboratories testing positive for one or more illicit substances. Here are the top five reasons why employers should adopt these practices to mitigate hiring risks and foster a healthier work environment.

1. Mitigate Financial and Legal Risks

Substance abuse in the workplace poses significant financial and legal risks. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, approximately 9% of full-time U.S. workers meet the criteria for a substance use disorder each year. This can lead to increased workplace accidents, higher healthcare costs, and potential legal liabilities. Employees under the influence are more likely to cause accidents, resulting in costly workers' compensation claims and potential lawsuits. By implementing a drug-free workplace policy and conducting regular drug testing, employers can reduce these risks and ensure a safer work environment.

Financial loss due to employee drug use can have a significant devastating impact on the small business. Owners of small businesses sometimes forgo employment drug testing to reduce operational expenses or under the belief it may deter recruiting top talent. This can be a costly mistake as substance abuse has an annual financial impact of $81 billion on US employers and a single substance abuser can result in up to $ in turnover and recruiting, and up to $ in lost productivity.

2. Set Clear Expectations and Define Acceptable Behaivior

Maintaining a drug-free workplace policy with pre-employment, for-cause, and reasonable suspicion testing helps set clear expectations for employees. It defines acceptable behavior and establishes a standard for workplace conduct. When employees are aware of the company's stance on drug use and the consequences of violating the policy, they are more likely to adhere to these standards. This proactive approach not only deters substance abuse but also fosters a culture of accountability and responsibility.

3. Support Employee Well-Being and Promote Recovery 

Engaging in employment drug testing supports employee well-being by identifying individuals who may need help with substance abuse issues. A comprehensive drug-free workplace policy can include access to employee assistance programs (EAPs) and resources for treatment and recovery. By promoting a supportive environment, employers can help employees overcome substance abuse challenges and return to work healthier and more productive. This approach not only benefits the individual but also contributes to a more positive and supportive workplace culture.

4. Reduce Absenteeism 

Substance abuse is a leading cause of absenteeism in the workplace. Employees who misuse drugs or alcohol are more likely to miss work, leading to decreased productivity and increased operational costs. Implementing a drug-free workplace policy and conducting regular drug testing can significantly reduce absenteeism by deterring substance abuse and encouraging employees to seek help if needed. This results in a more reliable and consistent workforce, ultimately improving overall productivity.

5. Promote Productivity, Positive Employee Morale, and Reduce Turnover

A drug-free workplace policy promotes productivity by ensuring that employees are focused and capable of performing their tasks efficiently. Substance abuse can impair cognitive and physical abilities, leading to errors, accidents, and decreased performance. By maintaining a drug-free environment, employers can enhance employee performance and achieve better business outcomes. Additionally, a drug-free workplace fosters positive employee morale and reduces workforce turnover. Employees are more likely to stay with a company that prioritizes their safety and well-being, leading to higher job satisfaction and loyalty.

Conclusion

Implementing employment drug testing and maintaining a drug-free workplace policy are essential steps for employers to mitigate hiring risks and create a safer, more productive work environment. By addressing the financial and legal risks associated with substance abuse, setting clear expectations, supporting employee well-being, reducing absenteeism, and promoting productivity and positive morale, employers can foster a healthier and more successful workplace. Investing in these practices not only protects the organization but also demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of its employees.

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