Drug Testing In The Workplace Essay
Areas Where Drug Testing Can Improve Safety
Drug addiction have become very popular in the 1960’s due to the influence of the mass media and music. It has estimated that about 208 million people around the globe are drug users. Despite the government’s full efforts in trying to fight against drugs, clandestine laboratories continue to rise and cause havoc in the lives of the people today, especially the youth. A large majority of drug users are from the work force which is why some companies strictly implement a drug testing program prior to hiring new employee and provide random drug testing on existing employees.
Drug testing have become an important part of any company nowadays since it assures the safety of all employees in the workplace. …show more content…
Not all may perceive it in a positive way as some thinks of it as an invasion of their privacy or having fear of being discriminated.
Notwithstanding the negative implications of such program on individuals who may not be in favor, a company’s major concern is to provide a healthy and safe workplace as it can immensely result to an increase in revenue, credibility and integrity of the company.
Drug Effects
Some people have depended on using drugs for a number of reasons. They tend to use drugs as a means of celebrating a “new life” from their own little world. These are some of the reasons:
• To help relax their mind.
• To rebel against elders, especially from parents.
• To escape from problems.
• To be among others and try to fit in.
• To relieve from boredom.
• Being curious and want to experiment something new.
• To prove independence.
Drug testing is a strategy that enables the company to detect all applicants and current employees who are using illicit substances. We know for a fact that when an employee is a drug user, it may lead to unfavorable situations such as:
• Inability to make rightful decisions.
• Decreases concentration and focus.
• It can damage the physical and the whole well-being.
• Can lead to having hostile behavior.
• Can damage internal organs.
• Increase the chances of getting hurt.
• Can get toll on relationships.
With all the mentioned negative impact of drug abuse, it can clearly demonstrate how an employee can become ineffective in delivering what is expected from him.
Drug Testing Promotes Workplace Safety
An effective drug testing program should be based upon complete understanding of which drugs are commonly being abused. It should promote a safe, positive and productive workplace in addition to the number of benefits. In a survey of almost 70,000 employees, 48.2% said that the companies that are working for have drug testing programs. And the number can be increasing each year since companies have realized that this program can certainly be a way of helping their business to grow while keeping their employees healthy and safe. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, different states have proposed laws about the mandatory implementation of drug testing program.
Drug testing is a powerful approach that promotes a safer environment which results to increase productivity, decrease in absenteeism and employee turnover, lower worker’s compensation incidence rates and reduce employer risk. From a Drug Testing EfficacyT survey, conducted by the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association and The Society for Human Resource Management in 2011, they have found out that:
• There was a decrease in the number of absenteeism on companies who have adapted a drug testing program compared to companies who does not have the same kind of program.
• Among all the organizations that participated in the survey, more than half (57%) have said that they conduct drug testing on all candidates. 29% of the organizations do not have pre-employment drug testing program.
• There were a high worker’s compensation incidence rates prior to a drug testing program and a decrease of about 50% among organizations after the implementation of a drug testing program.
• A decrease of employee turnover rates was reported after the implementation of the drug testing program.
• An estimated of about 19% among all the organizations reported an increase in employee productivity after the implementation of a drug testing program.
The survey clearly showed that with the help of a drug testing program, it does not only provide a positive impact on the company, but it helps individuals to realize the importance of staying clean and sober thus promoting a healthier lifestyle.
How the Drug Testing Policy Started
To have a tough policy on drugs may have started back in the 1980’s when a nuclear supercarrier, USS Nimitz caused an onboard missile to detonate. Fourteen crewmen died. Autopsy reports of the bodies showed that six of the men had used marijuana at some point. But an official report on the accident noted that the crewmen were tested clean from marijuana and suggested the pilot may have been impaired due to ingesting a cold medicine. However, trivial it may have been, it has caused panic over the known fact that some seamen can be drugging themselves while on board. From then on, drug-related safety concerns have been widespread to all branches of the government.
It was in 1982 that the Federal Aviation Administration paid researches to swab mouths of 289 deceased private pilots which were all victims of fatal accidents. Reports then showed that 2.1% of them had recently used marijuana.
In 1986, it was found out that at least 25% of major American companies have adapted drug testing programs. In September of the same year, President Ronald Reagan declared his all-out war against drugs by signing Executive Order 12564 to counteract serious adverse effects of drugs on employees. His vision was to have a “drug-free federal workplace”.
An incident in 1987, a derailed Amtrak train hit another panic button.
Warning signals may have prevented the crash had it not been tampered. But it was later found out that the railroad engineer was using marijuana with his brakeman. He also admitted to have been drinking the night before and had a hangover. Incidents like these would truly make the people concerned about their safety that Congress passed a law in 1988 requiring maintenance of a drug-free workplace by any company that held significant contracts or grants. In 1991, another federal law was passed requiring drug and alcohol testing of “safety sensitive” employees in private transportation companies.
Industries That Can Benefit from Drug Testing in the Workplace
Drug testing can be costly for most businesses in which employee drug abuse accounts for annual loses ranging from $33B to $100B – it clearly has a negative impact on sales and can impede business relationships. It is for this reason that workplace drug testing has become an important program for any kind of industry.
Companies have imposed drug testing as a prerequisite for employment. While some applications may deem it as unnecessary, it is the company’s way of carefully selecting employees that can truly perform and can become an asset to the company instead of a liability.
Implementing drug testing programs would result to the following:
• Improved workplace safety. The National Council on Compensation Insurance reported that more than 50% of work-related accidents are cause by substance
abuse.
• It reduced crime. Drug users are likely to steal money or properties from others. Hostile behavior is likely to happen which may lead to fraudulent medical claims.
• Improved health among employees. Individuals who are drug-free can perform their jobs more effectively and efficiently thus increasing their morale.
• Increased productivity. Employees will be more focused and are unlikely to be missing work days.
Here are some industries/sectors of the society which can greatly benefit from a drug testing program are as follows:
1. Manufacturing Industry
Drug and alcohol abuse among employees does not only endanger the employees themselves but may also endanger the reputation of the country. By making manufacturing companies drug-free, the company may maintain the recognition of being able to provide high-quality products.
2. Construction Industry
The construction industry is among the industry who has a high rate of drug and alcohol abuse. The jobs involve safety-sensitive positions thereby increasing the risk of work-related injuries and accidents.
3. Hospitality Industry
The hotel sector reported at least 9.3% admitted using illegal substances in the past month and 17% admitted using illegal substance in the past year. There is also a high rate among employees working in restaurants/bars/clubs. The safety that the company is concerned about is not only about its employees but as well as their clients/customers. Such drug testing program could result to increased profitability which may then lead to success of the business.
4. Transportation Industry
In terms of public safety, the transportation industry has the biggest impact since it is responsible for transporting people and products from one point to another by road, air, water or rail.
Transportation accidents caused by drug use among employees lead to severing lives of so many people. It has been reported that a large number of truck drivers admitted to using illicit substances while driving.
With these alarming information, there are four types of drug testing that are commonly performed in this industry, namely: prior to hiring, random, upon suspicion and post-accident.
5. Retail Industry
The heart of the business is from the company giving customer satisfaction with the kind of product and services that they provide thereby increasing trust and loyalty. Moreover, if customers are unsatisfied with what they have purchased or with the quality of the service, it does not only affect the security of employment of its workers but as well as the profitability of the company.
6. General Services Industry
People think that those who are working in safety-sensitive occupations are the only one who may be hooked with drugs. But realistically, anyone can be a victim of drug abuse. People working in offices that handles security-sensitive jobs like handling confidential information or financial records can also be affected. Important information of companies should be handled very well that any erroneous entry of data can lead to such damaging consequences.
7. Sports Industry
The news about Lance Armstrong admitting to Oprah about his long time use of drugs have surprised the world of sports. Taking performance-enhancing drugs may seem to be harmless but it deprives other athletes who are worthier of the distinction given by any sports organization. Drug-testing should be done prior to any game to ensure that the game is played fair and square all the time.
8. Academic Industry
Teachers and professors should be living examples of having a healthy lifestyle. Students see their teachers and professors as models, therefore, these professionals should also be with a sound mind and best behavior when being around the students.
In conclusion, the importance of a drug testing program should not be overlooked. More than focusing on the benefits that it can give for a company, is being able to help save the lives of the people. The cost of having a drug testing program should not be seen as an additional expense on the company but as an effective strategy on how the company can increase their credulity which can help them sustain the business for a long time.
Drug addiction have become very popular in the 1960’s due to the influence of the mass media and music. It has estimated that about 208 million people around the globe are drug users. Despite the government’s full efforts in trying to fight against drugs, clandestine laboratories continue to rise and cause havoc in the lives of the people today, especially the youth. A large majority of drug users are from the work force which is why some companies strictly implement a drug testing program prior to hiring new employee and provide random drug testing on existing employees.
Drug testing have become an important part of any company nowadays since it assures the safety of all employees in the workplace. …show more content…
Not all may perceive it in a positive way as some thinks of it as an invasion of their privacy or having fear of being discriminated.
Notwithstanding the negative implications of such program on individuals who may not be in favor, a company’s major concern is to provide a healthy and safe workplace as it can immensely result to an increase in revenue, credibility and integrity of the company.
Drug Effects
Some people have depended on using drugs for a number of reasons. They tend to use drugs as a means of celebrating a “new life” from their own little world. These are some of the reasons:
• To help relax their mind.
• To rebel against elders, especially from parents.
• To escape from problems.
• To be among others and try to fit in.
• To relieve from boredom.
• Being curious and want to experiment something new.
• To prove independence.
Drug testing is a strategy that enables the company to detect all applicants and current employees who are using illicit substances. We know for a fact that when an employee is a drug user, it may lead to unfavorable situations such as:
• Inability to make rightful decisions.
• Decreases concentration and focus.
• It can damage the physical and the whole well-being.
• Can lead to having hostile behavior.
• Can damage internal organs.
• Increase the chances of getting hurt.
• Can get toll on relationships.
With all the mentioned negative impact of drug abuse, it can clearly demonstrate how an employee can become ineffective in delivering what is expected from him.
Drug Testing Promotes Workplace Safety
An effective drug testing program should be based upon complete understanding of which drugs are commonly being abused. It should promote a safe, positive and productive workplace in addition to the number of benefits. In a survey of almost 70,000 employees, 48.2% said that the companies that are working for have drug testing programs. And the number can be increasing each year since companies have realized that this program can certainly be a way of helping their business to grow while keeping their employees healthy and safe. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, different states have proposed laws about the mandatory implementation of drug testing program.
Drug testing is a powerful approach that promotes a safer environment which results to increase productivity, decrease in absenteeism and employee turnover, lower worker’s compensation incidence rates and reduce employer risk. From a Drug Testing EfficacyT survey, conducted by the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association and The Society for Human Resource Management in 2011, they have found out that:
• There was a decrease in the number of absenteeism on companies who have adapted a drug testing program compared to companies who does not have the same kind of program.
• Among all the organizations that participated in the survey, more than half (57%) have said that they conduct drug testing on all candidates. 29% of the organizations do not have pre-employment drug testing program.
• There were a high worker’s compensation incidence rates prior to a drug testing program and a decrease of about 50% among organizations after the implementation of a drug testing program.
• A decrease of employee turnover rates was reported after the implementation of the drug testing program.
• An estimated of about 19% among all the organizations reported an increase in employee productivity after the implementation of a drug testing program.
The survey clearly showed that with the help of a drug testing program, it does not only provide a positive impact on the company, but it helps individuals to realize the importance of staying clean and sober thus promoting a healthier lifestyle.
How the Drug Testing Policy Started
To have a tough policy on drugs may have started back in the 1980’s when a nuclear supercarrier, USS Nimitz caused an onboard missile to detonate. Fourteen crewmen died. Autopsy reports of the bodies showed that six of the men had used marijuana at some point. But an official report on the accident noted that the crewmen were tested clean from marijuana and suggested the pilot may have been impaired due to ingesting a cold medicine. However, trivial it may have been, it has caused panic over the known fact that some seamen can be drugging themselves while on board. From then on, drug-related safety concerns have been widespread to all branches of the government.
It was in 1982 that the Federal Aviation Administration paid researches to swab mouths of 289 deceased private pilots which were all victims of fatal accidents. Reports then showed that 2.1% of them had recently used marijuana.
In 1986, it was found out that at least 25% of major American companies have adapted drug testing programs. In September of the same year, President Ronald Reagan declared his all-out war against drugs by signing Executive Order 12564 to counteract serious adverse effects of drugs on employees. His vision was to have a “drug-free federal workplace”.
An incident in 1987, a derailed Amtrak train hit another panic button.
Warning signals may have prevented the crash had it not been tampered. But it was later found out that the railroad engineer was using marijuana with his brakeman. He also admitted to have been drinking the night before and had a hangover. Incidents like these would truly make the people concerned about their safety that Congress passed a law in 1988 requiring maintenance of a drug-free workplace by any company that held significant contracts or grants. In 1991, another federal law was passed requiring drug and alcohol testing of “safety sensitive” employees in private transportation companies.
Industries That Can Benefit from Drug Testing in the Workplace
Drug testing can be costly for most businesses in which employee drug abuse accounts for annual loses ranging from $33B to $100B – it clearly has a negative impact on sales and can impede business relationships. It is for this reason that workplace drug testing has become an important program for any kind of industry.
Companies have imposed drug testing as a prerequisite for employment. While some applications may deem it as unnecessary, it is the company’s way of carefully selecting employees that can truly perform and can become an asset to the company instead of a liability.
Implementing drug testing programs would result to the following:
• Improved workplace safety. The National Council on Compensation Insurance reported that more than 50% of work-related accidents are cause by substance
abuse.
• It reduced crime. Drug users are likely to steal money or properties from others. Hostile behavior is likely to happen which may lead to fraudulent medical claims.
• Improved health among employees. Individuals who are drug-free can perform their jobs more effectively and efficiently thus increasing their morale.
• Increased productivity. Employees will be more focused and are unlikely to be missing work days.
Here are some industries/sectors of the society which can greatly benefit from a drug testing program are as follows:
1. Manufacturing Industry
Drug and alcohol abuse among employees does not only endanger the employees themselves but may also endanger the reputation of the country. By making manufacturing companies drug-free, the company may maintain the recognition of being able to provide high-quality products.
2. Construction Industry
The construction industry is among the industry who has a high rate of drug and alcohol abuse. The jobs involve safety-sensitive positions thereby increasing the risk of work-related injuries and accidents.
3. Hospitality Industry
The hotel sector reported at least 9.3% admitted using illegal substances in the past month and 17% admitted using illegal substance in the past year. There is also a high rate among employees working in restaurants/bars/clubs. The safety that the company is concerned about is not only about its employees but as well as their clients/customers. Such drug testing program could result to increased profitability which may then lead to success of the business.
4. Transportation Industry
In terms of public safety, the transportation industry has the biggest impact since it is responsible for transporting people and products from one point to another by road, air, water or rail.
Transportation accidents caused by drug use among employees lead to severing lives of so many people. It has been reported that a large number of truck drivers admitted to using illicit substances while driving.
With these alarming information, there are four types of drug testing that are commonly performed in this industry, namely: prior to hiring, random, upon suspicion and post-accident.
5. Retail Industry
The heart of the business is from the company giving customer satisfaction with the kind of product and services that they provide thereby increasing trust and loyalty. Moreover, if customers are unsatisfied with what they have purchased or with the quality of the service, it does not only affect the security of employment of its workers but as well as the profitability of the company.
6. General Services Industry
People think that those who are working in safety-sensitive occupations are the only one who may be hooked with drugs. But realistically, anyone can be a victim of drug abuse. People working in offices that handles security-sensitive jobs like handling confidential information or financial records can also be affected. Important information of companies should be handled very well that any erroneous entry of data can lead to such damaging consequences.
7. Sports Industry
The news about Lance Armstrong admitting to Oprah about his long time use of drugs have surprised the world of sports. Taking performance-enhancing drugs may seem to be harmless but it deprives other athletes who are worthier of the distinction given by any sports organization. Drug-testing should be done prior to any game to ensure that the game is played fair and square all the time.
8. Academic Industry
Teachers and professors should be living examples of having a healthy lifestyle. Students see their teachers and professors as models, therefore, these professionals should also be with a sound mind and best behavior when being around the students.
In conclusion, the importance of a drug testing program should not be overlooked. More than focusing on the benefits that it can give for a company, is being able to help save the lives of the people. The cost of having a drug testing program should not be seen as an additional expense on the company but as an effective strategy on how the company can increase their credulity which can help them sustain the business for a long time.