Drug Testing

All drugs are not created equal. While that is a seemingly obvious statement, the differences also extend to how long after the last use each drug is detectable by modern testing methods. Urine, oral fluids, and hair are commonly used as test specimens to screen for common drugs such as alcohol, marijuana, opiates/opioids, cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamines, methaqualones, MDMA Read more »

In an effort to impose restriction on drug users taking advantage of the welfare system, Lawmakers in North Carolina pushed through legislation that required screenings. The underlying assumption appeared to be that a large enough demographic of drug addicts were bilking the system to fund their habit and avoid work. The results challenged many preconceived notions Read more »

Opiates refer to a combination of both natural and synthetic drugs that have a pharmacological action similar to that of morphine. They mostly include drugs that have the same structure as morphine. Some of the naturally occurring opiates that originate from the poppy plant codeines which are mostly used for as pain relievers. They also depress the Read more »

In addition to pre-employment drug tests performed on new employees during recruitment, many companies also require employees agree to random drug testing exercises as and when required. This is necessary for building a drug-free workplace consequently ensuring workplace safety. For instance, a person operating machinery should not be high on drugs as he puts his co-workers at Read more »

Why consider reasonable suspicion drug testing? There are two basic purposes for including this type of testing in your Drug‑Free Workplace Program (DFWP): Reduce or eliminate liability – the exposure of the company to lawsuits by employees, the public, and government agencies; and avoid accidents and foster a safe environment, thereby protecting employees from their own misdeeds Read more »

Drug testing programs are aimed at deterring and identifying drug use while on duty in order to create a safer workplace. Substance abuse at the workplace has steadily declined since the launch of Return to Duty Drug Testing program in the 1980s. There are several drug testing routines required by the law today. One such program is the return-to-duty drug Read more »

Everyone involved in the transportation industry, including safety-sensitive employees subject to Part 40 in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s section of the Code of Federal Regulations, should become aware of important changes in Part 40 that take effect on January 1, 2018. Part 40 outlines appropriate procedures for drug and alcohol testing within parts of the transportation industry Read more »

Part of maintaining a drug-free workplace involves administering drug testing, based on reasonable suspicion, to reduce the risk of workplace accidents. Many employers today conduct pre-employment drug testing before an employee can begin their job, as well as post-accident drug testing after an injury is sustained at work, but most states also allow an employee to be tested for drug Read more »