Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA); Workplace Resources October 2016
Nearly 68 percent of all adult illicit drug users are employed, as are most binge and alcohol users. Studies show that when compared with non-substance abusers, substance-abusing employees are more likely to:
- change jobs frequently
- be late to or absent from work
- be less productive employees
- be involved in a workplace accident and potentially harm others
- file a workers’ compensation claim
Employers who have implemented drug-free workplace programs have important experiences to share
- Employers with successful drug-free workplace programs report improvements in morale and productivity, and decreases in absenteeism, accidents, downtime, turnover and theft.
- Employers with longstanding programs report better health status among employees and family members and decreased use of medical benefits by these same groups
- Some organizations with drug-free workplace programs qualify for incentives, such as decreased costs for workers’ compensation and other kinds of insurance
Occupational Health
The role of occupational health in the workplace includes checking an employees’ health to ensure they are fit for work.
Health screening can take the form of pre-employment screening, which takes place after a new employee has been appointed, but before employment commences. It also is involves the monitoring of employee health at work. This is particularly important if the work involves hazardous substances or safety sensitive conditions.
Screening may include substance abuse testing in any of the following circumstances:
It also involves:
- Pre-Employment / Pre-Access Drug and Alcohol Tests
- Post-Accident / Incident Drug and Alcohol Tests
- Reasonable Suspicion Drug and Alcohol Test
- Random Drug and Alcohol Tests
- Follow-up and Return-to-Duty Drug and Alcohol Tests
Third Party Administration
A Third Party Administrator is an independent contracted service which acts as a liaison between the Company, the laboratory, the collection sites, the Medical Review Officer and other agencies.
This arms length approach allows the company to focus on their business while the Third Party Administrator manages the workplace occupational health program including drug testing.
They provide independent and expert scrutiny of any positive results (under medical confidentiality), and make recommendations by a qualified occupational medical practitioner to the Company in compliance with their drug test policy.
Third Party Administrators also assist Corporations with the establishment and development of internal substance abuse policies and testing programs.