Drug Testing in the Workplace Essay Example
Drug Testing in the Workplace
Throughout recent years, applicant drug testing has become one of the most prevalently used strategies by many organizations to control substance abuse in the workplace. Drug testing is a selection tool used by organizations to determine whether or not an individual has previously used drugs and/or alcohol. Most employers find that drug testing, if done correctly, is a worthwhile investment associated with increased workplace safety, lower absenteeism, fewer on-the-job accidents, improved productivity, lower theft rates, and less medical and workers' compensation expenses (Grondin 142). By identifying and screening out substance abusers, organizations believe that they are also screening out those individuals who generally do not exhibit ideal workplace behaviors (Heneman and Judge 459-460). According to the American Council on Drug Education, drug abusers are 10 time more likely to miss work than non-users. They are also 3.6 times more likely to be involved in accidents while on the job, 5 times more likely to file workers' compensation claims, and 33 percent less productive than those who do not abuse drugs. Additionally, research from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows that "75 percent of all drug users are employed somewhere" (Cadrain 42). Such staggering statistics illustrate why most employers today consider drug testing to be one of their most valuable selection tools used when staffing their organizations. According to Edward Poole, president and COO of OHS Health and Safety Services Inc., several studies have concluded that drug users in the workplace can cost employers approximately $11,000 to $13,000 each year (Smith 45). Likewise, the U.S. government estimates that "American companies lose $82 billion in productivity each year because of substance abuse" (Fahmy 1). Such overwhelming losses have prompted many employers to spend more time and money on the
Throughout recent years, applicant drug testing has become one of the most prevalently used strategies by many organizations to control substance abuse in the workplace. Drug testing is a selection tool used by organizations to determine whether or not an individual has previously used drugs and/or alcohol. Most employers find that drug testing, if done correctly, is a worthwhile investment associated with increased workplace safety, lower absenteeism, fewer on-the-job accidents, improved productivity, lower theft rates, and less medical and workers' compensation expenses (Grondin 142). By identifying and screening out substance abusers, organizations believe that they are also screening out those individuals who generally do not exhibit ideal workplace behaviors (Heneman and Judge 459-460). According to the American Council on Drug Education, drug abusers are 10 time more likely to miss work than non-users. They are also 3.6 times more likely to be involved in accidents while on the job, 5 times more likely to file workers' compensation claims, and 33 percent less productive than those who do not abuse drugs. Additionally, research from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows that "75 percent of all drug users are employed somewhere" (Cadrain 42). Such staggering statistics illustrate why most employers today consider drug testing to be one of their most valuable selection tools used when staffing their organizations. According to Edward Poole, president and COO of OHS Health and Safety Services Inc., several studies have concluded that drug users in the workplace can cost employers approximately $11,000 to $13,000 each year (Smith 45). Likewise, the U.S. government estimates that "American companies lose $82 billion in productivity each year because of substance abuse" (Fahmy 1). Such overwhelming losses have prompted many employers to spend more time and money on the