Drug Testing In The Workplace

In our changing world and changing society it is important that we understand the growing issue of illicit drug use in the workplace. 70% of the estimated 14.8 million Americans who use illegal drugs are employed. Marijuana is the most commonly used and abused illegal drug by employees, followed by cocaine, with prescription drug use steadily increasing (“Drugs” 1). The federal government does not require most private companies or individuals to have a drug-free workplace policy exceptions include federal contractors and grantees as well as safety-sensitive industries. The most common reasons why we drug test; required by law, reasonable suspicion, random, prior history, and workplace accidents. Not all employers are required to drug test but …show more content…
The federal government requires the following to be drug tested United States Department of Transportation mandates the following employees to drug and alcohol testing: Aviation FAA flight crews, flight attendants, flight instructors, air traffic controllers. Commercial Motor Carriers License (CDL) holders who operate commercial vehicles include truck drivers, tanker drivers, bus drivers. Maritime (USCG) crewmembers operating commercial vessels. Pipeline (PHMSA) operations, maintenance, and emergency response. Railroad (FRA) personnel, engine and train, signal service or train dispatchers. Transit (FTA) vehicle operators, controllers, mechanics, and armed security. Private sector employers whose employers are unionized must speak to a union representative before instituting a drug testing program for those …show more content…
A written policy must be put in place and communicated to all employees ensuring that every employee receives and signs a written copy of the drug-free workplace policy. Each employee must be aware that a drug-testing program exists in the workplace, what kind of tests are included, what types of samples are to be collected, the circumstances under which employees will be tested, and what will happen if an employee tests positive. Putting a drug-free program in place will ensure better quality and quantity of work from employees. There will be minimal accidents which can lead to safety awards or bonuses giving incentives for employees to work harder and safer. Be sure that all managers, and supervisors receive proper training in how to detect and respond to workplace drug and alcohol abuse. Maintaining detailed records documenting the performance problems of all employees provide a basis for referring workers to employee assistant