When it comes to drug testing in the workplace, everyone involved must understand the policies. This includes higher-level management, employees, lower-level supervisors, and even the company’s insurance provider. It’s also essential to ensure that any procedure you have is communicated to employees, government agencies, and courts.
Educating Employees
Educating employees about company drug testing Richmond VA policies is essential to ensuring a drug-free workplace. Unfortunately, many employees will not read your policy, and some may even have misconceptions about what the policy means. They might only look over the rules and not understand the importance of substance abuse testing and the safeguards it offers.
In addition to drug education programs, employers should display informational materials and distribute a community service hotline number. In addition, companies must conduct an initial training program for supervisors that outlines the effects of drug use on an individual’s health and the workplace. They should also include training on behavioral cues and drug use prevention.
Importance
When it comes to company drug testing, accurate test results are crucial. Several factors play a role in the quality of results. For example, laboratory-based tests can detect a wide range of substances and are generally more accurate. Additionally, they use a more thorough screening process with specific cut-offs and thresholds. Rapid tests, however, do not involve such protocols and rely on a person’s self-reporting and the employer’s judgment to make the final decision.
One of the significant concerns with drug tests is the possibility of false positives. These results are caused by the use of certain medications or tampered specimens. In five to ten percent of cases, false positives may occur.
Cost
When assessing the cost of company drug testing, the amount spent varies. For example, for a five-panel urine drug test, which screens for opiates, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MMJ, the cost is about $42 without insurance. In contrast, a 20-panel urine drug test that screens for all commonly abused drugs and alcohol cost about $125 without insurance.
Companies typically spend thousands to millions of dollars annually on drug testing, including random and pre-employment drug tests. However, the amount depends on the number of employees and the frequency of tests. For example, in 1990, 38 federal government agencies spent over $11 million annually on workplace drug testing.
Pre-Employment
Drug testing is a legitimate part of pre-employment background checks, and it can protect a company from legal liabilities and improve safety in the workplace. The most common type of pre-employment drug test is a urine test, which is usually performed after a conditional offer of employment has been made. This test can detect traces of drugs, even after the effects of the drugs have worn off. Specific medications tested in this test include marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, and PCP, although employers can also test for additional substances. In addition, urinalysis is the only approved form of testing for the federal government, which is why it is the most popular choice for employers of highly regulated employees.
Drug testing is vital in pre-employment screening programs and sends a strong message to applicants and employees. This means that substance abusers are less likely to apply to a company that requires drug testing, which helps the company enforce its drug-free policy.
Post-Accident
Post-accident drug testing is mandated by federal law and regulations. Therefore, it is required for employers with safety-sensitive positions, such as pilots and flight attendants, to conduct these tests as soon as possible after an accident. This means that tests must be administered within two hours of an accident and no more than 32 hours after a traffic accident. In addition, the employer must keep a detailed record of the tests conducted, including reasons for delays in testing.
Post-accident procedures are outlined in a company’s Substance Abuse Policy. Most companies require that employees report all accidents to a company representative who will determine whether to conduct tests. The representative should notify the employee that the test has been ordered and provide safe transportation to the testing facility. The company representative should also contact the nearest testing facility to order the drug test.
