Drug testing is controversial. Some companies believe it's a necessary tool to help keep employees safe, especially in safety-sensitive industries.
Others argue that it violates privacy and can discourage qualified applicants. What do you think? Is it worth the hassle of having a workplace drug testing policy?
Costs
Depending on the type of test you choose, various costs are involved. For example, some types of drug testing may require multiple samples, which can increase the cost of the process. The cost of these additional samples will vary based on the manufacturer of the test. You can learn about the cost of these tests by visiting the company's website or contacting a representative directly. You can also look for a company that offers competitive pricing and a positive Better Business Bureau rating.
In addition to the testing costs, a drug testing business will have licensing and facility costs. These costs can range from several hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. You should also consider the cost of insurance, which is typically required for this type of business. This coverage will protect you from a lawsuit, which can be expensive for a small business.
Critics of drug testing argue that it is invasive and unnecessary and can have negative social consequences. They also point to the high rate of false positive results, often reflecting the use that occurred hours or weeks before the test. Some commonly used drugs can cause false positives, such as ibuprofen, cold or hay fever medicines, and some antibiotics.
Reliability
Drug testing in the workplace can help businesses lower healthcare and workers' compensation costs and promote employee trust and safety. However, it's important to know the pros and cons of drug screening before implementing such a program.
A drug test's accuracy depends on the specimen type and the drugs being tested. Specimens include urine, hair, blood, saliva (oral fluid), and sweat. Urine is the most commonly used method, especially in federally regulated programs, because it is quick, affordable, and offers accurate results. It can detect the presence of five categories of drugs: amphetamines, THC, cocaine, opiates, and phencyclidine.
The potential for error can be significant, as some medications can cause a false positive result. These include over-the-counter and prescription medications such as ibuprofen, cold or hay fever remedies, narcotics, and antibiotics. In addition, the test itself may need to be more accurate due to human or technical errors.
Inaccurate results can lead to legal troubles and cost companies money. Additionally, some employees may feel that drug testing violates their privacy and can cause them to become disgruntled on the job. This can lead to decreased productivity, as people may not put their best efforts forward on projects. In the long run, this can cost companies more than they save by reducing health and workers' comp costs.
Confidentiality
The confidentiality of drug testing is vital for businesses, but some employees may feel that this practice violates their privacy. This can cause resentment and low morale, hurting productivity and increasing the business's cost. In addition, employees against workplace drug testing may sue their employers for privacy violations, which can be costly in terms of downtime and attorney fees.
Workplace drug testing has advantages, including increased worker safety and decreased healthcare costs. However, it is important to remember that it should be a part of a comprehensive drug and alcohol abuse prevention program. A company should also establish clear policies and communicate them to all employees. These should include disciplinary consequences for refusing a test or testing positive.
In addition to the cost of testing and legal penalties, a company may lose valuable employees because of mandatory drug tests. Many jobs require a high level of mental or physical skill, and drug abuse can cause employees to perform below their normal ability. Moreover, drug tests often miss marijuana and other common recreational drugs and ignore the more serious prescription and over-the-counter medications that can lead to workplace accidents. Nevertheless, testing for drugs in safety-sensitive industries is justified in the interest of public safety.
Legality
Many states have laws that govern drug testing, and a company's policy may violate these laws if the test isn't administered properly or if the results are interpreted illegally. A legal expert can help a company develop an appropriate and legally sound policy.
There are several different reasons why a company might want to test employees, including safety issues in jobs like airline piloting and truck driving. However, there is no evidence that large-scale employee drug tests deter the illegal use of drugs. Human error can lead to a false positive result even in safety-sensitive jobs. This can have devastating consequences, such as denial of employment or a loss of wages.
Aside from safety concerns, a company might also have a moral and ethical reason to test employees. In a country where drug addiction is widespread, employers have the right to ensure that their workers are not using illegal substances while on the job.
A few states have passed legislation requiring welfare applicants to undergo drug testing. This is meant to assure taxpayers that the money they give to the poorest of the poor is not being used to buy drugs. But critics say the law violates a person's constitutional rights and wastes taxpayer dollars. It could discourage people from seeking state assistance, exacerbating mental health problems and poverty and reinforcing harmful social stereotypes.
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