Having Pre-Employment Drug Testing done is essential to ensure that your company is a safe place to work. It also helps to mitigate risks associated with drug misuse and reduces accidents. In addition, it improves employee retention rates.
Reduces Accidents
Creating a drug-free workplace is critical to ensure employees’ safety and well-being. It reduces absenteeism, decreases accidents, and lowers healthcare costs. It also reduces workers’ compensation claims.
Many employers are now requiring employees to submit to drug and alcohol testing. The cost of pre-employment drug testing depends on the industry. The test costs vary according to the number of tests conducted. It also depends on the position the employer is hiring for.
Drug and alcohol abuse is a leading cause of workplace accidents. Drugs impair an individual’s ability to make good decisions. The impairment can create a hostile work environment. If an employee’s performance is impaired, it will affect the company’s productivity.
Pre-employment drug testing can reduce accidents and decrease costs. It can also promote a safer work environment and increase employee morale.
Drug testing can be conducted during the hiring process and after an on-the-job injury. In addition, employers may also test employees for prescription drugs.
Improves Employee Retention Rates
Identifying substance abusers early in an employee’s career can help reduce turnover. Workers with substance abuse disorders tend to change jobs more frequently and often have higher rates of absenteeism and accidents.
The cost of turnover includes lost productivity, recruiting, training, and business expenses. The Department of Labor states that the average turnover cost of an exempt employees is about 150% of their annual salary.
Pre-employment drug testing is one way to identify employees with substance abuse problems early in their careers. This practice can reduce turnover, improve productivity, and increase the lifespan of a workforce. It also reduces the risk of hiring ineffective workers and those who will be unproductive in the workplace.
Another benefit of pre-employment drug testing is that it allows an employer to rescind a job offer if a prospective employee tests positive. This gives an employer a chance to find a more qualified candidate.
Studies have found that employees who test positive for drugs are likelier to be absent from work than those who test negative. Additionally, they are more likely to file medical claims for alcohol and drug-related diagnoses.
This Leads to Distrust Among Employees
Whether you’re a private employer or a public agency, you’re violating your workers’ rights if you require employees to pass a drug test before employment. In the U.S., only a few states have protective legislation against random drug testing in the workplace. If you’re considering implementing a drug testing policy for your company, it’s essential to understand your rights and responsibilities.
First, you must know the difference between reasonable suspicion and random drug testing. In the case of reasonable suspicion, your employer must have a reasonable suspicion that a particular employee is using drugs. They should also consider the individual’s mental health when evaluating their past convictions.
Second, you must respect the privacy of your employees. Regardless of the type of drug test you require, it is essential to keep the results confidential. If you’re implementing a drug testing policy, you should develop a written policy to ensure that you don’t violate the privacy of your workers.
