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Drug testing is one of the screening tools we provide to our clients to help them evaluate their employees. Most companies want potential employees tested before hiring. Some conduct random drug testing - if it's deemed legal in their state - to make sure employees are not impaired when doing their work, particularly if it's of a dangerous or sensitive nature. All companies want to know that their employees are performing at their best, physically and mentally.
Judith Hoffman, executive director of Coastline EAP (formerly RI Employee Assistance Services), agreed to offer her perspectives on drug testing and what to do with the results in this edition of The Monitor. Established in 1985, Coastline EAP delivers top-notch EAPs to companies all over the country. (And they are a valued client of Hire Image!) Special thanks to Judy for your discussion of this important topic.
Sincerely,
Christine M. Cunneen
Chief Executive Officer
Hire Image LLC
cunneen@hireimage.com
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 8 Reasons to Screen for Drugs 
Unfortunately, substance abuse is a common problem for employers. According to the American Council for Drug Education (ACDE), more than 70% of substance abusers hold jobs, and Americans use 60% of the world's production of illegal drugs. That means there are many opportunities for employees and potential employees to engage in illicit use - perhaps affecting your workplace and your company's bottom line. Substance abusers increase the risk of accidents, lower productivity, raise insurance costs, and reduce profits. The ACDE cites statistics that they are ten times more likely to miss work, and more likely to be tardy. Substance abusers are also 3.6 times more likely to be involved in on-the-job accidents, five times more likely to injure themselves or another worker in an accident, and five times more likely to file a worker's compensation claim. 8 Reasons to Test (click here) |
How Drug Testing Can Benefit Your Business...
and Your Employees Gone are the days when drug testing was viewed solely as a punitive process. Today it is an important tool in hiring and keeping productive employees, and in identifying opportunities to help them stay that way.  Hire Image client Judith Hoffman, executive director of Coastline EAP (formerly RI Employee Assistance Services), has seen many changes in the employee assistance and counseling business during her 28 years in the industry and as a drug and alcohol abuse counselor. She says, "Today, more employers have a focus on helping people with any personal challenges they experience, so they can be more productive employees and because they are valued and crucial team members." In some safety-sensitive job functions, drug testing can be a useful diagnostic piece. "Getting them the right kind of help the first time out, before addiction progresses can spare employees many personal problems and help reduce employers' healthcare and accident costs," she adds.
Minimize Effects on Employee Productivity
Because drug and alcohol abuse are stigmatized - from the CEO down to every employee in an organization - people tend to conceal their use or attempt self-help (not always in the right places), rather than seeking professional help. This puts them at risk for progression to serious addictions and other illnesses or accidents. Testing can alert employers that help is needed. According to Ms. Hoffman, "Coastline works with employees to give people the tools to manage and recover from their problems, keeping in mind the nature of their work and the business concerns. Earlier intervention means that the struggling employee and, sometimes their supervisor and colleagues, may see improved productivity and morale as we see in workplaces with a wellness focus."
Rehabilitation to Retain Valuable Talent Investment
Ms. Hoffman stresses that in some states, there are certain restrictions on drug testing which affect its application, so you need to be aware of the laws that apply to the location where you do business. (read more)
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A word about drug testing laws
Be sure you know the pertinent regulations in your State, as each has different laws governing the use of drug testing. Several do not allow random drug testing of employees, for instance. Hire Image can advise you on the rules applicable to your situation.
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| About Hire Image
Hire Image LLC is a specialist in the field of background investigation services. Our priority is supporting organizations by providing timely background investigations, thus enabling clients to make well-informed hiring and/or retention decisions. We work with companies nationwide, from small businesses to large corporations, to ensure they hire the "right" people and avoid the high costs of employee turnover and new position searches. Our clients are best served through our exceptional support system and customized reporting, which is tailored specifically to meet their needs. By considering ourselves a partner with each client, our success is based upon their success.
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Instituting
a Workplace Drug Policy |
Employers and their human resource and/or legal advisors need to consider many different Federal, State and local laws when designing and implementing a drug-free workplace program.
The sheer number and complexity of relevant statutes can sometimes make it seem as though implementing a program is daunting. However, Hire Image can guide employers in taking the simple and practical steps to avoid legal problems. We recommend consulting a lawyer whenever you introduce a new drug-free workplace policy or make alternations to an existing policy. We are happy to recommend an attorney for you or you can contact the American Bar Association or most State Bar Associations for a legal referral service that can help you locate a qualified employment lawyer in your area.
(click here for steps)
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NEWS:
5 controlled substances now being detected | |
An increasing number of drug users are turning to synthetic cannabanoids with street nicknames such as "K2," "Spice" and "Mr. Smiley." Drug testing researchers are finding ways for these substances to be detected in screenings. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a final order recently to extend the temporary scheduling of five synthetic cannabinoids into Schedule 1 drugs of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
(click here for more)
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