Last updated : December 16, 2024
Most employers would probably say that their number one concern at work is turning a profit. This drive to succeed financially is what keeps most organizations afloat, but countless factors must fall into place to achieve it. Healthy, productive employees are a necessity for any successful firm, and this is why all employers should be concerned about employee drug use.
Statistics related to drug use in America reveal startling numbers. Some news outlets estimate that employee drug abuse ends up costing U.S. employers about $276 billion annually. In a study conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2.9 percent of workers surveyed admitted to having been at work while under the influence of illicit drugs. Furthermore, about 76% of people with substance abuse issues are also employed at least part time. This all adds up to a high probability that some employees at every organization are working while under the influence of alcohol or an illicit drug.
The symptoms of alcohol or drug dependency aren’t always easy for an employer to spot. Some users are extremely adept at hiding their dependency and can appear to operate normally even while under the influence. Nonetheless, it’s important to realize that even a user who appears to function well is subject to impaired judgment and motor skills. The consequences of having this type of person on the job can be nothing short of disastrous.
The worker who abuses drugs or alcohol while on the job is particularly dangerous in the construction and mining industries. These jobs are inherently hazardous and call for more than the usual attention to detail to ensure a safe environment for all employees and the public. Unfortunately, it is these industries where drug or alcohol abuse is most likely to happen, demonstrating the need for employers in these fields to implement regular drug testing.
Of course, drug testing doesn’t have to be limited to just these industries. Companies working in transportation, manufacturing and hospitality also have strong motivation to drug test employees. The transportation industry demands safe drivers while factory workers must be able to operate dangerous equipment within safety parameters. Even those working as food preparers, wait staff and groundskeepers may need to be tested for drug use because of their potential for public contact and probable employer liability should the employee be involved in some sort of incident.
Employers need to be aware of employees with substance abuse issues because it is more than likely that these employees are costing the organization money. Employees who work under the influence are less productive and more likely to call in sick or sleep on the job. They are also more likely to be injured on the job and to file a workers’ compensation claim. These claims drive up the cost of the employer’s insurance. Additionally, employees with substance abuse issues typically rely heavily on the company’s health insurance policies, resulting again in higher costs for the employer. Seen this way, it becomes clear that no employer can afford to not be concerned by employee drug use.
To ensure a safer work environment and to keep organization costs in control, employers need to establish a drug free work place policy. The foundation of this policy is typically a drug testing program. With random or routine testing, companies can keep productivity numbers on the rise while also seeing a reduction in absenteeism and workers’ compensation claims.
The details of any such policy are carefully written and the implementation of a new policy usually occurs with training for employees and supervisors. Accordingly, employees will understand why drug testing is becoming an important part of their conditions for employment and supervisors will learn how to spot the signs of an employee who may be struggling with drug or alcohol dependence. It is these signs that may indicate the necessity of sending a particular employee for a drug test. Alternatively, the company can institute a policy of routine testing on an annual or semi-annual basis. Still other employers will make a drug test part of the hiring practice for potential employees. No matter what guidelines are used, drug testing is an important component of making work safer and limiting employer liability.
If you’re interested in implementing a drug testing program to reduce the dangers of employee drug use, contact us online or call us at 440-653-5003 today.
