Drug testing programs protect company and employee
The employees of any workforce don’t usually meet employee drug testing programs with enthusiasm. Many see them as an invasion of privacy, believing that what they do on their own time is none of their employers business. Others view them as a lack of trust on the part of their employer.
In actuality, employee drug testing programs are put into place for the protection of both the employer and the employee. An employee that comes to work under the influence of any type of drug is a danger; not only to himself but also those around him.
There are many different types of drugs testing programs in the work place today. Each is suited to fit the individual needs of a company. Most employers now require a clean drug test before a job candidate will be considered for employment. Often that is the only drug test given, unless something about the employee’s behavior or job performance is called into question. At that time, he or she may be asked to take another test.
The most basic program is where employees are tested only after an accident or mishap at work. This type of program protects the employer from being sued or otherwise financially liable for an employee being injured on the job if it turns out that the worker was under the influence at the time.
Random drug testing is where every employee’s names is drawn to be tested over a period of time. This is the most common type of drug testing program used in today’s workplace. The theory behind this type is that it ensures that all employees will stay clean, since it is not known when any individual will be called to be tested.
Scheduled testing usually is mandatory in a high-risk environment. These tests can be weekly or monthly depending on how demanding and/or dangerous the job description. This type of testing is used to keep all employees safe and minimize industrial accidents.
Employee drug testing programs make sense for virtually every type of business. They reduce the time lost due to employee absenteeism and cut the risks of accidents in the work place. Depending on the policies put into place by the employer, failure of a drug test does not always mean automatic termination. Many companies have programs in place to help their valuable employees to overcome their drug problems and continue to be a asset to the company.