Drug Screening: A Guide for Employers
As an employer, you understand the importance of verifying past education, employment, and criminal history when evaluating candidates.
But what about drug screening?
The truth is that a robust drug screening policy is a solid investment in a safe, healthy, and productive team of employees.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Pre-Employment Drug Testing?
Pre-employment drug testing is a way to check for illicit drug use or prescription medicine abuse before making a new hire.
Why Drug Screening Is Important
Drug screening is one of many tools employers can utilize to ensure they are hiring the best person for the job, especially for safety-sensitive positions and industries.
Types of Pre-Employment Drug Screens
There are several different ways to screen new hires for drug use. Here are the most common.
Urine Test
This is the most common type of drug test and has a detection window of 5-10 days.
Hair Test
A hair test has a much longer window of detection, revealing drug use during a period of up to 90 days.
Oral Fluid Test
Because the collection process is clearly seen, swabbing and testing a candidate’s saliva is a good option if you’re concerned about the potential to “cheat.”
Substances To Screen For
It’s common practice to screen for the use of amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana/THC, phencyclidine, and opiates.
Who Should Conduct Drug Testing?
Urgent care clinics and occupational health providers can conduct drug screens, but it’s more efficient to hire a reputable background check company like Veriswift.
When Should You Conduct Drug Screening?
In your drug testing policy, it’s important to clearly spell out the times when these screens will be conducted. Here are some examples of when drug testing should occur.
Pre-Employment
You can require all new hires to pass a drug test as a condition of their employment.
Randomly
Unpredictable timing of drug tests is a powerful way to deter employees from illegal drug use.
Annually
You can opt to drug test all employees on a specified date, such as their work anniversaries.
Post-Accident
Many companies have a policy which requires any employee to be screened for drug use if they were involved in an accident at the workplace.
Reasonable Cause/Suspicion
You may require employees to take a drug screen if they appear to be unfit for work or if they exhibit a pattern of unsafe behavior in the workplace.
When Returning to Work
You may consider implementing a policy that requires drug screens on employees when they come back to work after a positive test or other instances of illegal drug use.
After Treatment
Periodic drug testing can form a component of the rehabilitation process, motivating employees in their path to healing.
Applicable Laws
Each state has different laws governing the proper way to conduct drug screening. It’s a good idea to consult with a legal expert to ensure you remain compliant.
How To Conduct Drug Screening
There are a variety of ways to conduct drug screening. You can send employees to a certified laboratory or hire a trained contractor to collect specimens on-site.
What To Do With the Results
If a candidate should test positive for illegal drug use, this is grounds to rescind a conditional offer of employment.
If a current employee tests positive, then disciplinary action may occur. This could be suspension or even, in some cases, termination of employment.
Drug testing is an essential component of a safe and productive workplace. Contact Veriswift for assistance with implementing a comprehensive drug testing policy in your company.
