How Random Drug Testing Can Improve Workplace Safety and Productivity
Some jobs require employees to be alert and not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, many employees suffering from substance abuse are adept at hiding their symptoms and can conceal their behavior for months before being caught. Random drug testing is one of the easiest ways to deter drug use in the workplace without singling out specific individuals. It is a great deterrent because the results will catch the employees by surprise.
Increased Safety
Drug use affects an individual’s judgment and alertness, making it more likely they will make a mistake while on the job that could put themselves or coworkers at risk. Accidents caused by employees under the influence of drugs and alcohol can cost your business through worker’s compensation claims, medical costs, and increased insurance rates. Employees who know they will be subject to random drug testing are less likely to take illicit drugs and alcohol before or during work. This reduces the number of accidents resulting in expensive property damage or injury to employees and customers. It is important to know what state and federal laws apply to your workplace so you can draft an effective drug test policy. This includes understanding if the Department of Transportation or other industry agencies regulates your company. Limiting the time between notification and actual testing is crucial so an employee does not have a chance to evade detection. It is also best to clearly define what constitutes reasonable suspicion activity, who can conduct a test, and how often the tests are done.
Increased Productivity
Drug abuse costs companies through lower employee morale and lower productivity. A company that performs random drug testing can help mitigate these costs by reducing the number of accidents, injuries, and other issues caused by drugs and alcohol in the workplace. Performing random drug tests can encourage employees to refrain from using illicit substances because they are still determining when they will be selected for an examination. The fact that they can’t anticipate a test gives them an incentive to be sober at all times, which helps improve overall productivity and creates a safe environment for everyone. While alertness and sobriety are necessary for safety-sensitive jobs, such as train engineers or airline pilots, workers in all positions can benefit from a consistent expectation of drug testing. With more attentive and focused workers, the risk of accidents decreases, which can save both money and lives. Though few studies have attempted to isolate the effect of for-cause testing on workers’ productivity indices, most that have been conducted reveal a positive correlation between the two.
Increased Employee Morale
Drug abuse is costly to businesses in many ways. It affects employee morale, productivity and safety. It also leads to indirect costs such as lost wages, health care expenses, increased workers’ compensation claims and lawsuits. Workplace drug testing programs are a powerful deterrent to current and potential substance abusers. Studies comparing employees who tested positive for drugs with those who were negative have shown that a for-cause test program significantly decreases absenteeism, accidents and turnover rates. These effects are magnified by a drug testing policy that requires a random selection of employees to be administered a urine, hair, breath or blood test. Using an unbiased selection process, such as a computer or third-party administrator, is crucial to the effectiveness of a random test program. In addition, it is important to notify employees that they may be selected for a test and to allow them to choose whether to participate in a given round. Testing should be conducted within a tight time window to ensure accurate results.
Lower Turnover Rates
Drug users often take more sick days, are more likely to be involved in accidents and may make mistakes that cost the company money. Additionally, employee turnover is usually higher when drugs are present. Random drug testing can improve the quality of your workforce, reduce accidents and injuries, and decrease insurance costs. Employees who know they will be tested regularly are less likely to abuse drugs while at work. This can significantly reduce absenteeism and turnover rates while improving productivity and safety.
Additionally, employees who cannot perform their jobs while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be referred for treatment and may return to a productive position after receiving help. Many companies, such as train engineers, airline pilots, and truck drivers, have implemented random drug tests for safety-sensitive jobs requiring alertness. This is also a common practice for government jobs that must adhere to strict regulations regarding drug use. Choosing a drug test program that will meet your company’s needs and remain compliant with state laws is important.
Reduced Insurance Costs
A random drug testing program can reduce insurance costs by lowering workers’ compensation claims and absenteeism rates. This helps to improve productivity and create a safer workplace for everyone. It can also deter drug use, especially if employees are made aware of the likelihood that they will be selected for a test. Having a clear policy and communicating the procedure clearly to employees is crucial. If you want your business to be successful, it is important to implement a random drug testing program that will provide benefits for all parties involved. This program will increase employee morale and help your business reach its goals. It will ensure that your employees are sober and able to perform their duties effectively and safely. It will also save you money on insurance claims and lower your turnover rate. You will have a happier workforce that will likely stay with your company long-term. It will also be a better place for customers and shareholders. Employees under the influence of drugs slow down productivity and may cause an accident that could harm them or their customers.
