Last updated: October 2, 2023
Would you like to reduce workplace accidents, increase productivity, and lower your workers comp costs? If so, then you need a documented drug-free workplace program.
What is a drug-free workplace program?
In an drug-free workplace employment setting, all employees are educated on, and required to adhere to, a specific program of policies and activities designed to create a safer working environment, discourage drug and alcohol abuse, and encourage the treatment, recovery, and return to work of those employees with substance abuse problems. The the goal of a drug-free workplace program is to educate employees about the dangers of substance abuse and its negative impact on the workplace and fellow coworkers, because when these issues are reduced or eliminated, productivity, safety, and workplace morale increase.
A comprehensive drug-free workplace program includes:
- An official written policy
- Which substances are specifically prohibited
- Penalties for infractions of the drug-free workplace policy
- Which methods of drug testing are used (urine, oral fluid, hair, etc.)
- Reasons for drug testing (random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, etc.)
- Access to substance abuse assistance/counseling
- Employee education
- Supervisor training
Why does it matter?
According to the US Department of labor, 70% of illegal drug users (14.8 million people) are employed. This means that it’s almost a statistical certainty that one or more of your employees engage in drug use. While the overwhelming majority of employees don’t, the few who do will hurt your business financially. Studies show that employees who engage in drug and/or heavy alcohol use are 33% less productive than their sober co-workers, and on average, cost their employers an additional $7,000 annually. In total, substance abuse costs American employers more than $160 billion each year due to accidents, lost productivity and other related problems.
What can a drug-free workplace program do for you?
- Reduced workplace accidents
- Increased productivity
- Lower workers comp costs
- Increased morale
- Reduced absenteeism
- Greater employee retention
How does USAMDT develop a drug free workplace program?
Our program is NOT a “kit in a box” like most companies offer.
We develop a completely customized drug-free workplace program, set everything up, educate your staff, conduct random drug testing at your location or job site, and maintain detailed records. We give you all the benefits of a custom drug-free workplace but you don’t have to worry about any of the work. Best of all, we are on call 24/7.
Your drug free workplace program from USAMDT includes:
- Custom drug free workplace policy
- Employee education
- Supervisor training
- Computerized random drug testing
- Detailed records
- Employee assistance program
- Recommended SAP specialist
Industries that drug test
Employers in certain industries are more likely to implement a drug-free workplace program than employers in other industries. This can be due to several factors, including safety concerns, federal regulations, and the prevalence of substance abuse.
Any company that is regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines, as well as those that do any work for the Federal government, are required by law to maintain a drug-free workplace with a written policy in place. Employers bound by DOT drug testing guidelines are required to conduct urinalysis drug testing for the following drugs:
- Cocaine
- Amphetamine
- Methamphetamine
- Opiate (Recently expanded)
- THC (Marijuana)
- Phencyclidine
Companies not regulated by the DOT, or those doing work for the Federal government, are generally free to structure their drug-free workplace program as they see fit, based on their needs, safety concerns, and industry. Industries where substance abuse, and therefore, drug testing, is common include:
- Mining
- Construction
- Food services
- Arts, entertainment, and recreation
- Utilities
- Wholesale trade
- Managment
- Manufacturing
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting
- Retail trade
- Transportation and warehousing
- Other services
- Real estate, rental, and leasing
- Information services
- Professional scientific, and technical services
- Finance and insurance
- Public administartion
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
For employers in these industries, it’s especially important to hire from sources where potential employees are already accustomed to regular drug testing because they are less likely to use drugs. This generally means a more productive employee who causes less friction and stays at a job for longer. That’s a win for you, the employee, their coworkers, and your customers!
To help you find the best potential employees who already understand and are more likely to adhere to your drug-free workplace program, USAMDT has even partnered with numerous trade schools that conduct drug testing before allowing their students to graduate. This helps to insure that new employees truly do live a drug-free lifestyle, rather than just abstaining breifly to pass a pre-employment drug test. Our partner schools include:
- Aircraft mechanic schools
- Appliance repair schools
- Auto body schools
- Automotive mechanic / ASE schools
- Aviation mechanic schools
- Electrician schools
- Hotel management schools
- HVAC/R schools
- Marine mechanic schools
- Motorcycle mechanic schools
- Nursing schools
- Plumbing schools
- Restaurant management schools
- Truck driving schools
- Welding schools