Is Drug Testing Necessary For Employers?

Is drug testing necessary in the workplace? A recent Denver Post Survey and article, shows that 14 states and the District of Columbia allow medical marijuana. Colorado and California allow a large number of dispensaries, showing an estimate of 100,000 and 350,000 patients respectively. Colorado’s percentage of use rate shows that 9.24% of the population says they have used the drug over a 30 day period.

The future of medical marijuana and its use, it still uncertain, However, we can be certain, just like alcohol, employees are safer and statistically are involved in fewer accidents, when they are free of both substances, while on the job.

Since 1991 the Department of Transportation has required drug Screening for aviation, trucking, railroads, mass transit, pipelines, and other transportation industries. The Department of Transportation (DOT) claims these industries cover approximately 10 million people. The testing guidelines are written in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 40.

Today, approximately 74% of private sector businesses are requiring drug testing and background checks. This number is increasing monthly. A solid policy with background checks allow employers an additional tool to hire the best employees, lower their turnover and reduce the chance of workman’s compensation claims.

What are the reasons for drug screening?

1. Pre-employment

2. Random

3. Post Accident

4. Reasonable suspicion

5. Return to duty

6. follow-up

The purposes of testing are not to “catch someone”, but to encourage a Drug free workplace, safety, and abstinence of illegal harmful drugs.

Considering post accident testing; with a current drug policy and drug testing in place, an employer can perform their own drug test. Instituting a drug testing policy can reduce the amount that the employer is responsible for and workman’s compensation claims. Often, with a drug policy, your premiums can be discounted.

There are basically 2 types of testing. The most popular for private sector, is the instant test. The instant test is completed with a urine sample provided in a collection cup. The collection cups vary as to what drugs are tested for. The majority of companies use the 5 panel instant drug test, which include:

1. Marijuana

2. Cocaine

3. Amphetamines

4. Opiates, (Codeine, Heroin, morphine)

5. PCP (phencyclidine)

Results are usually available in less than 5 minutes. If there is a need for further testing, then you may need up to 72 hours for completion of lab work.

The DOT, regulations tests for the above drugs and their type of testing is the second type of testing, which sends every sample off to the lab.

In conclusion, Drug testing has become increasingly necessary, as the amount of drug usage in our country has grown. An estimate from the Denver Post survey of medical-marijuana states, show that as many as 624,084 people can possess and use marijuana legally. As an employer, you may consider drug testing to assist your employees, provide a safer environment to work in, to lower your workman’s compensation premiums and to have a happier work force.