Should Your Employees Be Drug Tested?

Drug testing can sometimes be a difficult topic to cover with employees. Some employees might feel that drug testing is an indicator that you do not trust them. Others will not mind. To help you evaluate whether or not drug testing is right for your business, this is what you need to know.  

Why Should You Perform Drug Tests?

There are several benefits to drug testing, but one of the most important is that you have a better understanding of who is working for you. A drug test can help you weed out people who could possibly impact your business's operations through decreased productivity, absences, and hazardous behavior caused by drug use. 

Drug testing could also help save money. The use of drugs can increase the likelihood that an employee would suffer an injury in the workplace. The fewer workplace injuries your business has, the less workers' compensation claims you could be facing. 

Another important reason to consider drug testing is that your other employees probably want it. Your employees want to work in a safe environment and they understand that drug use can decrease the chances of it. They also understand that co-workers who are slacking due to drug use could mean more work for them. 

Is There a Drawback to Drug Testing?

Even though there are good reasons to drug test, there is a drawback to consider. There are specific laws that govern drug testing. If you fail to follow the rules or inadvertently overstep the boundaries of the testing, you could face legal problems. 

For instance, an employee could claim that his or her privacy was breached through the drug testing. He or she could even claim that his or her rights were violated, which could put you at risk for a lawsuit. 

What If You Plan to Perform Drug Tests?

If you do decide to go through with the drug testing, there are a couple things to remember to protect yourself and your employees. For instance, provide a written explanation of what your employees can expect before, during, and after drug testing. 

You also need to select a form of drug testing. Many employees opt to contract with drug testing facilities instead of using testing kits. At a facility, you can ensure that the test is conducted within the perimeters of the law. You can also ensure that the results are accurate. 

Consult with a drug testing facility, such as Pecos Drug Testing, to learn more about the process and what you can do to ensure your employees are properly tested. 

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