9 Benefits Of Drug & Alcohol Testing Programs For An Organization

When job seekers apply for a job, they may be required to screen for drug and alcohol use. Sometimes, employers make this a necessity for applying for the job position. It drives home the importance of drug and alcohol testing as a pre-employment process. To ensure that prospective employees are fit for the job. Typically, drugs screened for in blood tests include amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamines, opiates, nicotine, tramadol, and alcohol.

It shows that having a comprehensive workplace and drug testing program, whether during pre-employment or on-the-job, benefits both the employer and the employee. The benefits of Drug and Alcohol Testing to an organization are many, but here are Nine (9) pertinent advantages.

1. It Promotes A Safer Working Environment
2. Increased Safety Leads To Better Productivity
3. Pre-employment Drug Testing Can Screen Drug Users Before Hiring Them
4. Improves Employee Morale and Company Pride
5. Reduces Potential Workplace Conflict/Violence
6. It Creates A Healthier Workplace
7. Decreases the likelihood of accidents and injuries
8. Cuts Down Worker’s Compensation Claim
9. Helps to Reduce Employee Absenteeism

1.  It Promotes A Safer Working Environment: A safer workplace is perhaps the single significant advantage of workplace drug testing because it promotes workplace health and safety. It is especially true for safety-sensitive jobs involving handling hazardous chemicals, operating heavy machinery, or driving vehicles for your company (as seen in the oil and gas, manufacturing, and construction industry). If any of them work while impaired by their drug of choice. Whether marijuana, cocaine, or alcohol, the risks of a workplace accident increase. However, regardless of the industry, any workplace accident can lead to significant losses, injuries, and even deaths. When this happens, it will expose your company to liabilities and public relations issues.
2.  Increased Safety Leads To Better Productivity: Drug testing reduces accidents, showing that a workplace has a safe working environment. That can only motivate employees to become more productive, knowing that their employers are doing everything to keep everyone safe while at work. Companies with a comprehensive workplace drug testing program have consistently reported an overall improvement in job performance and employee morale.
3. Pre-employment Drug Testing Can Screen Drug Users Before Hiring Them: Some employers see pre-employment drug testing as an unnecessary cost on their part. However, when considering the potential cost of dealing with a drug user among your staff, you quickly see the value. At what point would you find out that a person in your company is using illicit drugs? It is better to screen prospective employees before they join the company.
4. Improves Employee Morale and Company Pride: Drug abuse in the workplace is often synonymous with trouble for everyone. When employees see that a drug-testing program adheres to strict guidelines, it impresses the employee on how committed their employer is to providing a safe working environment. That raises morale among staff, which is always a good thing for any organization.
5. Reduces Potential Workplace Conflict/Violence: Drug abusers behave a little more aggressively. Particularly those who take stimulant drugs, such as ice or cocaine. By implementing a drug-testing program, the organization will pinpoint and deal with drug-abusing employees before any incidents of conflict and violence occur.
6. It Creates A Healthier Workplace: Drug abuse carries several health risks. The deterrent effect of drug testing at work, combined with the education of employees on these health risks, can significantly contribute to making the workplace a healthier one.
7. Decreases the likelihood of accidents and injuries: Drug and alcohol use can lead to accidents that can cause injuries or death. Using drugs or drinking at work increases the risk of injuries and accidents because it affects judgment, reaction time, and motor skills. Employers have a legal responsibility to take reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of their employees. Implementing a drug & alcohol testing program is one way to do this. A drug-free workplace will help you reduce:
8. Cuts Down Worker’s Compensation Claim: Reducing workers’ compensation claims is one of the most important benefits that a drug and alcohol testing program can provide to an organization. Studies show that workplace accidents are 50-70% occurring among employees who use drugs or alcohol. Making sure your testing program complies with state laws will help ensure that you can hold employees accountable for positive test results, making it more difficult for them to file workers’ compensation claims. Ideally, drug and alcohol testing should be part of a comprehensive workplace safety program. Besides reducing the number of workplace accidents, employers may also reduce their workers’ compensation premiums by taking steps like these. Which create a safer work environment overall.
9. Helps to Reduce Employee Absenteeism: Another benefit of drug testing is that it reduces employee absenteeism. Employees under the influence of drugs or alcohol are more absent than their clean peers. They are also less productive when they show up, engaging in presenteeism. This means they might come to work but get distracted by personal issues, health problems, and hangovers. Drug and alcohol testing programs reduce absenteeism among workers by helping them overcome drug addiction problems. Hence increasing their productivity at the workplace. These programs also help employers notice early signs of drug abuse among their workers. Allowing them to intervene on time before the problem becomes severe. It is necessary because it helps prevent situations where employees end up absent from work for long periods due to relapse or prolonged treatment.

Summary of Drug & Alcohol Testing

Drug and alcohol testing confers many advantages to any organization or industry. The proponents of workplace drug and alcohol testing advance several safety and production values. It is paramount that your company develops and implements a workplace drug and alcohol testing program today. If you do not currently have one. Medbury Medical Services (Your Preferred Workplace and Primary HealthCare Partners) is an industry leader in workplace drug and alcohol testing programs. With over 200 brands currently partnering with us, we will ensure a workplace free of drug and alcohol-related hazards and disasters. Partner with us today.