How to Implement an Employee Drug Screening Program
Drug screening in the workplace is vital to maintaining a safe and productive work environment. Not only does it help prevent accidents and injuries, but a drug screening program promotes a drug-free culture and can reduce absenteeism and turnover.
If you’re looking to establish a drug screening program at your business, or you’re wanting to make your program more comprehensive and effective, here’s what you need to know.
Assess the Need for Drug Screening
Drug screening is necessary for a variety of reasons, such as maintaining safety, complying with legal requirements or reducing the risk of drug-related accidents and injuries in the workplace. It is important to evaluate the risks and benefits of implementing a drug screening program and consider the specific needs for your industry and company.
If you are concerned about the potential legal ramifications of a new drug screening program, it’s best to consult with an attorney to ensure that your program will be legally above board. Reach out to other business owners in your industry and local area, too, to get an idea of their drug screening programs so you have something to use as a model.
Choose the Right Type of Test
There are several types of drug tests available, including urine, blood, hair and saliva tests. Each has its own pros and cons, and the most appropriate test will depend on the needs of your company.
For example, urine tests are commonly used for their accuracy and low costs, but they’re only useful on a short timeline. Hair tests, on the other hand, can detect drug use over a longer period, but they are more complex to administer and more costly. Consulting with a company that specializes in drug screenings can help you choose the right type of test for your needs.
Develop a Policy
An effective drug screening policy should include key elements such as the types of drugs that will be tested for, testing procedures and the consequences of a positive test result. It is important to communicate the policy to your employees and obtain their consent before testing.
This is another area where consulting with a lawyer and other business owners who have implemented drug screening programs can be helpful. You may even be able to take someone else’s drug screening policy and modify it for your needs, saving you time and hassle on creating a policy from scratch.
Implement the Drug Screening Program
Once you’ve chosen the appropriate type of test and developed a drug screening policy, it’s time to implement the program. This includes setting up and administering tests and handling positive results. Providing education and resources for employees who test positive is important to ensure they understand the consequences and are aware of the resources available to them.
If you’re concerned about being able to manage the end-to-end administration of your drug screening policy, it may be a good idea to partner with a company with the experience and resources to implement a drug screening policy. This allows you a more hands-off approach to your drug screening policy so you can focus on the other tasks related to running your business.
Maintain and Review the Program
Regularly evaluating the effectiveness of your workplace drug screening program is essential to ensure it’s meeting its intended goals. Any issues or concerns that arise should be identified and addressed accordingly. It’s also important to keep up with legal and compliance requirements related to drug screening so your program complies with all relevant laws and regulations.
Partner with Medcor’s Employee Screening Services
Drug screening is a vital aspect of maintaining a safe and productive workplace, but it can be difficult to manage the entire process yourself. With Medcor’s Employee Screening Services, you get as much or as little assistance in the implementation of your workplace drug screening program as you need, backed by the confidence that you’re getting accurate results. Speak with a Medcor advocate today.