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Drug testing: Get to know the pros and cons of it!

Most countries have adopted the trend of drug testing as employers need to provide their employees with a safe environment. Earlier, people have a fear of conducting drug testing, but now it is becoming accepted as the rise of drug abuse has been increased. This abuse haunts families, individuals, and whole communities. Addiction to drugs is an issue that affects the users as well as the people around them. The attractiveness of drug use is caused by factors like untreated emotional or psychological illness, ease of use of street drugs and prescription, and lack of knowledge.

Nowadays, most companies are conducting a drug testing program as the main goal of them is to provide the best products and services to clients. Despite having a good business plan, it is crucial to choose the right people for the job. There must be strict rules set for the employees. The employees must know about their responsibilities towards the company and must do them appropriately. The best way to ensure that an employee is best for the company, conduct a drug test program. Some people take detox pills to pass the drug test; you can gain knowledge about these on srsmiami.com.

From an employer’s point of view, there are certain pros and cons of having the drug test in the workplace, which we will know:

  • Promotes a safe and effective environment

The biggest and crucial advantage of conducting a drug test in the workplace is that it promotes a safe and effective working environment. There is a high risk of accidents if the employees are on drugs. The sensitive jobs that involve heavy operative machinery, hazardous chemicals, and driving vehicles involve high risk, and accidents can happen. The accidents can learn to injuries, personal or public loss, and even deaths. 

  • Decrease potential legal accountability 

When accidents occur in the workplace, employees are more likely to face legal accountability. A single employee that is on the drug can cause risk to all other employees. It is imperative to maintain a safe workplace environment, and thus, a drug-testing program must be conducted. This can minimize accidents and reduces the potential legal accountability of employers.

  • Drug testing helps workers with drug issues.

Some companies that have their own alcohol and drug policy tend to give a second chance to workers who fail the drug test. There are some workers that can get benefit from the drug testing programs. Workers who are dedicated can be benefitted and can help themselves out from drug abuse. Some employers help employees get rid of drug abuse by rehabilitation programs and pay for their expenses. This is a great way to make someone free and clean from drug abuse.

  • Helps in educating workers about drug abuse

Organizations that conduct drug testing programs also conduct awareness programs for supervisors and other employees. This helps in increasing awareness about drug abuse and help workers to don’t get into it. Awareness can be achieved through campaigns, training, seminars, drug forums, and more.

  • Drug testing is an extra expense.

Drug testing programs involve a lot of money, and this is the biggest disadvantage for employers. Although there are different types of drug tests, none of those are cheap, and employers need to spend around $40 for every employee. The time between the positive test result and confirmation of it is the time delay where an employee cannot work. Engaging in these programs involve a lot of time and expense. 

  • Allegation of infringement of privacy

In every company, some opposition parties revolve around the idea of conduction drug tests and that it violates the right to privacy. When opposition leaders insist on having drug testing at the workplace, there is a growing resentment towards employees. This can lead to less productivity and, therefore, less growth and revenue for the business.

  • Inequitable dismissal suits

Drug testing at the workplace is at the center of inequitable dismissal suits. The employees who tested positive for drug abuse are sacked file suit, explaining that they have been wrongfully finished. The lawsuits are quite costly, and even if the employee loses the case, the responsibility of paying money is of the company. Even if the company wins in proving that the employee is on drugs, it will cost high money for a company to pay attorney’s fees. Thus, it is crucial to have a well-communicated solid drug policy that can help to save the company from such people.

  • Problem workers are easily identifiable.

Workers who are always high on drugs are prone to less productive, tardiness, and absenteeism.

While some workers consume drugs but can put up less absenteeism while others could not.

This is the main reason why it is good to consider workplace drug testing and find out the problem workers or drug abusers. This will help increase productivity in the company.

Workplace drug testing is an important step for companies, especially in today’s world, where most people are addicted to alcohol or drugs. The need for drug tests in industries is crucial as they have work on transportation, construction, mining, and engineering. The first step is to make and monitor a drug and alcohol policy. Create awareness among employees and supervisors and set the pre-employment drug test for candidates. To keep your company safe, choose sober and talented people only.

 

Jaime London is a writer, contributor, editor and a photographer. He started his career as an editorial assistant in a publishing company in Chicago in 2009.