Employers have many reasons for requiring
pre-employment drug testing. One of the most obvious reasons is
that of safety. Those handling dangerous equipment or those who
drive commercial vehicles have a greater chance of accidents or
inflicting injury upon themselves or others if they are under
the influence. Companies have a moral and legal obligation to
ensure that their employees adhere to Federal work-safety guidelines,
and pre-employment drug screenings can be an effective tool.
Insurance and health-related absences provide two more reasons
for implementing pre-employment drug testing. More than 175 million
Americans are enrolled in workplace group health insurance; with
an average of a 30% increase in premiums in the last three years,
pre-employment drug testing may be one way to cut down on costs.
Studies have linked short- and long-term health problems with
drug abuse. Drug abusers are more likely to develop respiratory
problems and are generally more susceptible to illness. Employers
often view drug abusers as irresponsible since many absences can
be attributed to the after-effects of drug usage. Employee absences
cost employers millions of dollars every year, and many human
resource experts suggest that pre-employment drug testing can
reduce these costs.
However, some groups argue that pre-employment drug testing is
not an accurate way to detect the use of drugs while at work.
Many drugs, such as marijuana, will remain detectable for up to
three weeks after usage. Other drugs, such as cocaine, may only
be present for a few days after consumption. It is often a difficult
call for an employer to make but most simply make their decisions
cautiously. They often view it as better to not hire someone who
occasionally uses drugs than to take the risk of the person using
before or during working hours.
According to the Small Business Administration,
companies lose an average of $7,000 per drug-using employee per
year. This figure is often enough to convince an employer to implement
a standard of pre-employment drug testing. In any given year,
it is estimated that nearly 50 million American workers are required
to have a drug screening. Advances in medical testing have made
it quick, easy and relatively inexpensive for employers who wish
to use this screening process. Many employers view this is as
a simple means of ensuring the well being of both their company
and their customers.
About the author:
Drug Testing Info provides
detailed information about employee, random, high school, hair,
and urine drug testing and drug testing kits. Drug Testing Info
is the sister site of Prescription
Drugs Addiction Web.
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