Employers everywhere in the USA have growing concerns for office safety due to prominent drug abuse. With cannabis legalization, studies reveal workplace accidents have risen more than 60% and absenteeism by almost 80%. Furthermore, heroin abuse has witnessed a 200% increase in the last ten years. It is an urgent matter that demands strict company policies to curb the drug abuse epidemic in the workplace. Regular employee drug testing is a policy that serves a role in a drug-free work environment. The impact of workplace drug use is detrimental to the reputation and productivity of the business. More companies are considering the benefits of employee drug testing.
Negative Influence on Safety-Sensitive Industries
Alcohol and drug use in the workplace hurt any business. The detrimental impact of drug use in safety-sensitive industries, like logistics and transportation, construction, petroleum, and manufacturing, is prominent. The influence of illicit substances and misused prescription drugs impair motor skills, perceptions, and reaction times. The impairments result in critical injuries and deaths.
Negative impacts of drug abuse in the workplace include:
- Lack of productivity
- An increasing number of absents from work
- Frequent accidents at job sites and workplace
- Increased illnesses and injuries
The negative impacts damage the work environment and cost millions of dollars. If organizations don’t carve drug use policies to address the issues proactively, the business encounters problems.
Understanding the Benefits of Employee Drug Screening
Minimizes or Eliminates Drug Use
Sobriety in the workplace is one of the foremost reasons to promote employee drug testing. When drug abusers fear drug screening at job sites and workplaces, they worry about their reputation and reduce or eliminate drug use during work hours. The reduction or elimination serves significant health and safety benefits for others in the work environment.
Decreasing Accidents and Injuries
When the workplace is drug-free, the related impairment is reduced or eliminated. Employees/workers have better motor skills, perceptions, and reaction time, which results in fewer workplace accidents and injuries. Consistent and regular expectations of taking a drug and alcohol test make the workplace a safer environment in a short span. It is one of the reasons why employers across the globe promote the importance of pre-employment and regular employee drug and alcohol testing.
Enhanced Productivity
Workplace accidents, injuries, absenteeism, and deaths slow down the productivity and workflow of businesses. Safety-sensitive industries suffer the most because employers under the influence of alcohol and drug abuse lose their motor skills and necessary perceptions. When organizations incorporate a drug-free work culture through drug policies, support, and regular support, employees or workers are more efficient and productive.
Decreasing Medical Expenses
A drug-free work environment results in low medical expenses related to workplace accidents and injuries. As workplace accidents and injuries increase, insurance claims increase for employers and employees. When organizations commit to a drug-free and safe environment, one of the advantages is the enhanced insurance rates. This is because of fewer medical claims associated with alcohol and drug accidents and injuries.
Peaceful Work Environment
According to recent studies, employees/workers under alcohol and drugs are more likely to verbally and physically abuse colleagues/staff. Every employee wants to work in a safe and peaceful environment. But it is far from the reality when a co-worker is constantly under the influence of drugs. Other employees/workers feel unsafe and threatened, resulting in a violent and restless work environment. Promoting regular employee drug testing and a drug-free environment guarantees everyone works peacefully towards a common objective.
Less Absenteeism
Absenteeism and productivity loss are linked with alcohol and drug abuse, and it costs millions of dollars every day. Studies reveal that drug addicts are three to five times more likely to miss work/office due to accidents and injuries. It is an alarming figure, and businesses should strictly undertake drug and alcohol policies according to the state and Federal regulations. An organization that fails to implement drug testing policies impacts its reputation and the safety of other employees and hampers productivity.
Conclusion
The above analysis shows that employee drug testing is critical to the brand reputation, increased productivity, and employee safety. A harmonious and safe working environment benefits all, and pre-employment and routine drug testing are standard practice in the US.
Interesting Related Article: “Top 7 drug testing tips for HR“
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