Workplace Drug Testing

Employee Drug Testing Over the last few years, an increasing number of companies are turning to drug testing as way to screen and monitor employees. This is because, these individuals will increase healthcare costs, have more sick days, are less productive and more likely to become disabled. To avoid these issues, many are turning to drug testing as a way to effectively evaluate staff members. However, once someone tests positive is when various organizations will have different policies.

To fully understand what is taking place requires looking at four of the most common policies inside the workplace. Together, these different elements will illustrate how they are able supervise and enforce these policies. There are a number of options employers have available to them when their employee fails a drug test to include: providing a written warning, sending the person to treatment, suspension and termination. Each one should be used to correct these behaviors to varying degrees.

However, the penalties will become more severe when someone is continually violating the organization's drug policy or they are in positions of authority. (Dressler, 2008) A written warning is delivered to someone the first time they fail a drug test. This occurs after they have been working at an organization for a select amount of time and tested positive in a random check. During orientation, everyone learns about the policies and the importance of following them.

They are asked to sign a statement agreeing to abide them and the consequences for failing to do so. This requires documenting and discussing these issues with the individual. As managers will explain the policy, ask them if there are any problems and recommend treatment programs. If there are issues, the employee will be referred to treatment. In this case, employers are sending employees a message about failing the drug test and what will happen if they do not correct their behavior.

(Dressler, 2008) Treatment is when the employee will go to an inpatient facility for help. In these situations, it is mandatory, as the individual does not have a choice about participating. Instead, they will attend different classes and remain in one of several approved programs for a specified period of time. This is when they will be monitored over the next several tests to see if they are following the organization's policy.

In this case, employers are offering staff members with the ability to seek out assistance for their substance abuse problems. This is the point they can deal with the primary causes and create long-term solutions for their drug problems. (Dressler, 2008) Suspensions are used to let everyone know about how the organization has zero tolerance for drug use. As those who are caught will be suspended without pay and could face even harsher penalties in the future. To remain at the firm, everyone must comply with these policies.

Otherwise, there is a possibility they will be terminated. In these cases, employers want to let the staff know about their policies and will aggressively enforce them. (Dressler, 2008) Terminations occur after the first offense. In these situations, the employee handles sensitive information and is vulnerable to blackmail. To prevent someone from influencing them, anyone who tests positive for drug use is immediately terminated from. This.