Last updated : November 11, 2024
Despite efforts of law enforcement to control the sale and distribution of illegal substances in Ohio, drug abuse remains a significant problem in Cleveland. While much drug use occurs at home, the effects of drugs used by employees filter into the workplace easily. According to the DEA, almost three-quarters of all adults who use drugs are employed. Cleveland’s construction workers, truck drivers, cashiers, grocery handlers, healthcare workers and many workers could be performing their duties under the influence of dangerous, illegal drugs every day. Drug users are more than three times more likely to cause accidents at work. They are the root cause of about 40 percent of industrial workplace fatalities. Fortunately, instituting drug-free workplace programs prevent both serious accidents and profit losses for Cleveland businesses.
Benefits of a Drug-Free Workplace Program
- Employers who choose workplace programs that include drug testing enjoy a safer environment for workers and customers and a 51 percent reduction in workplace injuries.
- Drug abusers are five times more likely to be involved in an accidental injury, and file a worker’s compensation claim. Since less drug use equals fewer injuries, businesses receive substantial discounts on workers compensation insurance when they institute drug-free workplace programs.
- Improved safety and employee alertness helps to prevent costly lawsuits caused by personal injuries and property damage.
- Employees in a drug-free workplace are healthier and more productive. Absences from work are less common.
- Improved worker reliability and health leads to fewer turnovers.
- A drug-free workplace program is a cost-effective way to promote integrity and high morale.
How Drug-Free Workplace Programs Work
Workplace programs typically involve policy development, employer and employee education and training, and employee assistance services. In conventional testing programs, employees are sent to a drug testing facility where urine or blood samples are collected. A practical and effective alternative is mobile drug testing. With this option, compliance specialists are sent directly to the business to conduct on-site testing at the employer’s convenience. Choosing mobile testing can potentially save hours of work time by allowing workers to be tested in only a few minutes and immediately return to work. Tests are compliant with both federal and state regulations and guidelines. Randomized testing schedules are developed according to employers’ individual needs. Some testing programs include oral fluid and hair testing, instant results and tests for alcohol and steroids as well as common street drugs.
Workplace Testing Programs Increase Profits
The cost of drug abuse directly affects a company’s bottom line. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, drug abuse cost the nation’s employers $128.6 in lost productivity in 2002. Frequent turnover also takes a bite out of the budget; in some cases, replacing an employee can cost more than 200 percent of the employee’s yearly compensation. In addition to increased worker’s compensation claims, drug users use about twice as many medical benefits as non-users, so a company with many substance abusers is likely to experience higher healthcare premiums. The cost of drug testing programs is minimal in comparison to the potential losses caused by widespread drug use at work. By providing increased safety, company integrity and financial protection, drug-free workplace programs are a major win for virtually any employer.
