Workplace drug test is nothing new; the concept has been in place for many years now, albeit a controversial issue for many. In fact, it is one of the hottest legal discussions, when it comes to employment. While employers argue that they have the right to know if their employees are using any kind of illegal drugs, employees as well as many civil rights groups insist that such tests violate their right to privacy, something that even the U.S. law guarantees.

In spite of these debates and concerns workplace drug testing has seen a 277 percent rise since 1987, finds surveys by the Institute for a Drug-Free Workplace. Majority of this growth happened between 1988 and 1993, after the federal government made such testing mandatory for a growing number of occupations. To further put this into perspective, let's consider a report by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Inc. It finds that drug and alcohol abuse costs employers $81 billion annually for accidents, lost time, workers compensation, and health care. In fact, the majority of workplace accidents are related to drug and alcohol abuse.
It is true that that testing each employee will cost a considerable amount of money, but by those arguments that support both sides of the debate, it is safe to say that workplace drug testing has certain advantages for employers. If you are still not convinced, here is how workplace drug testing is worth the cost.

1. It Ensures Employee Safety

Some jobs are dangerous than others. For instance, driving a truck, using sharp knives, working over a stove, operating machineries, or using heavy equipment etc. requires employees to be alert. Accidents can still happen even if a person is completely sober. However, the danger of potential accidents manifolds when the person is under the influence. Drug testing, therefore ensures workplace safety, not only for the person concerned but also for the other staffs present there.

In fact, it is even important for white-collar workers to undergo drug testing to ensure the safety of everyone involved, including consumers and general public.

2. It Reduces Employers' Potential Legal Liability

Employers face a potential legal liability in case of workplace accidents, irrespective of whose fault it was. It is the employers' responsibility to provide a safe working environment; and if the accident occurred because of his or her failure to do so, the employer will be legally accountable. It is therefore advisable to conduct random drug testing to positively identify workers to use or abuse drugs and pose a risk in the workplace.

Such drug testing program not only helps the employers to keep the work environment safe, but also minimize workplace accidents and other legal liabilities associated with it. In fact, the advantages of such tests are so far reached that employers are increasingly turning to staffing agencies to conduct these tests as a part of the background screening process to keep the work environment safe. There are several types of tests available to conduct drug test for staffing agencies, ranging from saliva and hair tests to urine tests. And some of these tests are so advanced that it is almost impossible for employees/candidates to beat the system.

3. It is (Sometimes) Required by Law

It is mandatory by some state and federal laws to conduct drug tests before hiring employees in specific industries as well as during their employment. For example, the U.S. Department of Transportation requires compulsory drug testing for various transportation-related occupations.

In addition, other departments like health care and education also require its employees to undergo testing for drug abuse and in most cases, these tests are regulated by each state.

4. It Helps Drug Abused Employees

Companies usually have a strong drug and alcohol policy and most of them are likely to immediately fire the employee(s) failing the drug test. However, there are some thoughtful employers who believe in second chances and are ready to help their employees to overcome the drug problem. In fact, it is not just substance abuse and alcohol problems, many Americans misusing pain-relievers and need help to overcome their addiction. According to a survey by the National Safety Council, 71 percent of employers think that “prescription drug misuse is a disease that requires treatment,” while 65 percent believe “it is a justifiable reason to fire an employee.”

Therefore, in companies that have established drug and alcohol testing policies and a considerably soft policy for workers with drug problems, employees can actually benefit from such tests. However, the employer must be dedicated to helping such employees in any way they can. Employers can help such workers get into recovery and/or rehabilitation programs.

While it may seem an expensive option up front, it is undoubtedly more ethical. Besides, the organization can keep the experienced worker after he/she gets clean and free from drug abuse. This, in turn will help the company to reduce employee turnover and recruitment costs in the long run.

5. It Boosts Productivity and Employee Morale

Drug influenced employees considerably increase the employers' cost. Substance and alcohol abuse in the workplace not only increases the potential of accidents and injuries (increasing the employers' legal liabilities), but also cause absenteeism and lost productivity. In U.S., companies are losing $10 billion a year because of workers' opioid abuse. The report found that almost one in 20 workers with an opioid prescription have demonstrated a pattern of drug abuse. The number is even higher among baby boomers.

Introducing a drug and alcohol policy in the workplace is therefore beneficial for employers to lower and even prevent absenteeism and lost productivity. Besides, providing a safe and healthy work environment will boost your morale and productivity, which is of course a good thing for any business. Apart from conducting random drug testing for your existing employees, it is also recommended to conduct pre-employment drug testing. This will not only ensure that you have clean candidates in house but will also make them aware of your drug and alcohol policies and standards and how serious you are, when it comes to workplace safety.

Conclusion

While there are certain difficulties associated with conducting workplace drug and alcohol testing, the advantages are numerous, making the effort worth it. As stated earlier, many U.S. states require employee drug testing as a part of workers' compensation plans. Employers complying with these state regulations are also likely to receive discounts as well as additional workers' compensation benefits, as a reward.
Besides, group benefit healthcare insurance discounts are available in many states for employers implementing workplace drug and alcohol testing. These discounted benefit programs usually make drug testing an affordable option for many employers.