Benefits of Drug Screening for Employers

Drug and alcohol abuse costs U.S. companies billions of dollars every year. The use of drugs can pose a risk for people at work since there is an increased chance of on-the-job injuries and accidents. Drug screening and drug testing give both employees and employers the ability to make the workplace a productive and safe place. There are a number of benefits to why it makes sense for there to be drug screenings at work. 

Promote a Safer Workplace

There are negative impacts to drug use at work and it is unsafe for the employees due to reduced reaction time, increased accident rates, and impaired decision making. Drug use during work time impairs judgment and can lead to double the amount of workers' compensation claims. Drug testing will allow for those who haven’t been using drugs to operate heavy machinery and handle sensitive workplace information to keep everyone safer. 

Create a Healthier Workplace

Drugs come with a number of health risks. Screening can make for healthier individuals at your company and this benefits lives outside the office. 

Increase Productivity

Employee drug use can decrease productivity because of absenteeism and low morale. Employee absenteeism is reduced by drug testing programs. Employees know that the company is committed to providing a safe work environment by drug screening, which also helps increase morale. 

Lower Costs for Employees

Drug testing benefits employers with lower costs for employees and promotes a better work culture. Doing pre-employment drug screenings is a way to reduce turnover due to drug use. If drug users aren’t able to perform duties on the job then many will either quit or end up fired. Turnover is costly to any company. Those who have had three or more jobs in five years are also twice as likely to use drugs. Having a drug-free workplace promotes a better positive work culture, and it makes your company a place where people want to work. 

Protect the Company from Workers Comp Claims

Your company is liable if an accident happens due to drug use since you didn’t provide a safe working environment. If you require your employees to go through drug screenings then you are able to identify those employees who could be a threat and protect your business from damaging lawsuits. If a worker is injured on the job then he or she is typically entitled to claim workers compensation to cover lost wages and medical bills. However, if you are able to prove that the employee uses drugs and is likely the cause of the accident then that employee may not be entitled to the benefits, which saves you money. It’s possible that you are worried you are going to be sued for wrongful termination if you fire an employee who fails a drug test but the test proves that the termination is justified and this can also save you from an expensive lawsuit. 

Testing Helps Users Get Help and Treatment

If you are testing your current employees, it can be tempting to fire any worker that tests positive. However, you may use this as an opportunity to help get workers into treatment centers to offer compassion, instead of a punishment. Some companies even help families of employees with a drug problem and help them get the resources needed in order to cope. This can make your company stand out and promote a better work culture as well.

The benefits of drug screening outweigh the costs. The increased productivity and safety of your workplace make for a much healthier environment for your employees. Just noting that your company does perform drug testing is typically enough to dissuade drug use in your company. If workers need to decide between drug use and their livelihood then chances are they will make the right decision. In order to implement a drug testing policy, the company should understand who and when to drug test since there are different reasons for testing. Policies need to be clearly communicated to employees, along with any disciplinary consequences that happen for those who test positive or refuse to test. This written and clear policy needs to be shared with all employees and there should be employee education regarding the dangers of drug use.