Connect with us

Politics

Politics Surrounding Workplace Drug Testing

Politics Surrounding Workplace Drug Testing

Workplace drug testing, both pre-employment and randomly, has become more and more prevalent among US and UK employers. It is important therefore that both employers and employees are aware of the politics and rights involved.

Why Employers implement Workplace Drug Testing

Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs an employee’s ability to make rational judgments; it can lead to reckless or dangerous behavior, raise safety concerns and reduce productivity. Employers therefore have a right to demand that no one comes to work intoxicated or under the influence of any kind of drugs.

Workplace drug tests check for illegal drug use by employees, either before an employee begins work or regularly throughout their tenure. Some of the most commonly tested drugs include: Alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, PCP, and heroin.

Politics Surrounding Workplace Drug Testing

A workplace drug testing policy discourages employees from abusing substances while at work. A job applicant drug testing program prevents those with a problem of drug or alcohol abuse from ever being hired.

In the US, many Workers’ Compensation discount programs now require that a workplace implements a drug testing policy in order to take advantage of their benefits; it may also be needed in order to comply with Federal and State regulations. Drug testing here of employees may also occur after a workplace accident or to ascertain the viability of an employee returning to duty.

While drug testing can be performed by taking small samples from saliva, blood, hair or even fingernails, the most common way to perform workplace drug tests is by taking a urine sample. If done properly and professionally, these types of texts are extremely accurate.

Employees should inform those doing the drug testing of any medications or supplements they are currently taking, and bring prescriptions for documentation.

Employee rights

Drug testing is a policy implemented for everyone’s safety, but it should always be carried out in a clear, transparent way so that no employee feels his or her rights have been trampled upon.

Politics Surrounding Workplace Drug Testing

If drug testing is used pre-employment as part of the candidate selection process, any applicant on prescription drugs – especially those on prescription opiates or who take cannabis for medical reasons – must inform their prospective employer to avoid discrimination.

If drug testing is a policy in a workplace, this should be made clear to all employees when the job offer is made and before they accept a contract to work at the company. As company policy, it should be clearly set out in the employee handbook.

Should an employee fail the test, they have the right to appeal and re-take the test. If an employee admits to having a drug problem, the employer has the right to suspend the employee while they seek treatment.

Employee Friction

In order to avoid friction in the workplace, it is essential that all employees be treated equally so that no single individual or group feel discriminated against. Random testing is considered best, not only because those employees who are abusing drugs cannot hide it by abstaining for a couple of days immediately beforehand, but also in order to avoid the singling out of particular individuals.

Difficulties that Employees may Face when putting it into Practice

Someone with a history of drug addiction or alcoholism may qualify as disabled, which would restrict testing for any drugs or alcohol unless it was backed up by legitimate suspicions.

Continue Reading

Recent Posts

Home Improvement5 days ago

What Does an Effective Wardrobe Spring Clean Entail?

Spring is upon us which means one thing and one thing only. It is time for the annual purge of...

Business2 months ago

Your Basic Guide To Creating A Unique Investment Blog

Starting your own blog is great and once you get the ball rolling, it can be a good passive income...

Business2 months ago

3 Low-Risk Ways To Get Your New Business Started

Once you’ve got an initial business idea and believe that it will be a success, there are some basic things...

Lifestyle2 months ago

Conquering the Co-free Zone: Tips for Thriving as a Remote Worker

Adjusting to an office environment can come with its downfalls in the sense that it might be a shock to...

General3 months ago

3 Ways To Take Control Of Your Finances Starting Now

If your finances have taken over and are bringing stress to your life, we understand just how overwhelming it can...

Travel5 months ago

Best Places To Visit In The North Of England

If you live in England, you will know there are many different places to visit for the weekend. There are...

General5 months ago

Green Home Improvement Ideas

In a world where environmental concerns are growing, the concept of “green” has gone beyond a trendy catchphrase and is...

Lifestyle5 months ago

How to Host an Unforgettable House-Warming!

The time has finally come. You have moved into your dream pad, and are officially adulting in your very own...

Autos5 months ago

A Guide to Parking Lot Striping

The journey to a well-striped parking lot begins with the right paint. In this brief guide, we’ll unravel the mystery...

Business8 months ago

Business Tips For Protecting Your Finances During A Recession

In 2023, taking the necessary steps to protect your finances for your business is now more important than ever. The...

Lifestyle8 months ago

Tips For Cleaning Your Trainers

If you’re into your trainers and streetwear, you’re likely to be very conscious of keeping them looking their best! So,...

Marketing9 months ago

Branding Trends For Start-Ups in 2023

Branding is incredibly important as it impacts how your business reaches and connects with its target market. If you’re branding...

Business9 months ago

Avoiding the Wrong Kind of Growth

Growth is vital for any business – some models, like tech start-ups, are built around periods of dramatic, explosive growth...

Business9 months ago

How To Become A Property Developer

There are several reasons why an individual will want to become a property developer. One of the main reasons for...

Tech12 months ago

What Is The Difference Between Cyber Attacks and Cyber Threats?

If you own a business that uses the cloud to manage workloads, you have probably heard of the terms cyberattack...

Categories

Archives

Trending