Workplace drug and alcohol testing is a controversial issue facing many employers today. With substance abuse on the rise, companies must decide if implementing a testing programme is right for their organisation. This article explores the pros and cons of workplace drug testing to help guide your policy decisions.

Why Consider Workplace Drug Testing?

The main reason employers consider implementing drug and alcohol screening is to promote workplace safety. Employees under the influence of drugs or alcohol have an increased risk of accidents, injuries, and mistakes on the job. Testing can identify those putting your workplace at risk.

Additionally, drug and alcohol screening can improve productivity by reducing absenteeism and presenteeism. Presenteeism is when employees show up to work physically but are unable to fully function mentally due to intoxication or withdrawal symptoms. Drug and alcohol tests can deter this behaviour.

What Methods Can Be Used for Employee Testing?

If you decide to implement a substance screening programme, there are a few testing options to consider:

Hair Drug Testing

A follicle hair drug test or hair strand test analyses metabolites in the hair to detect historical drug use over several months. Hair grows about half an inch per month, so standard hair drug testing is done on a 1.5 inch sample. The hair test for drugs has the longest detection window of standard testing methods.

Urine Testing

Urine drug screens are the most common method. They detect recent drug use by analysing the urine for traces of drugs and metabolites. Urine tests are affordable and have a shorter detection window of around 2-3 days.

Saliva Testing

An oral fluid swab collects saliva and checks for the most recent drug use, typically in the past 12-24 hours. Saliva testing is minimally invasive but not as accurate as other methods for some substances.

Breath Alcohol Testing

A breathalyser estimates blood alcohol concentration from a breath sample. It offers an easy, non-invasive way to check for alcohol intoxication when impairment is suspected.

What Are the Downsides of Workplace Drug Testing?

While there are benefits to workplace drug and alcohol screening, there are also some downsides employers should consider:

Employee Morale & Privacy Concerns

Mandating testing can dampen morale, make good employees feel untrusted, and raise privacy concerns around medical testing. These issues can indirectly lower productivity.

Cost

Testing equipment, lab services, and employee time adds up. And workplace injuries may still occur even with testing programmes if they are not extensive. Consider focusing funds on more direct safety programs.

Accommodating Addiction Disabilities

Employers must accommodate addiction disabilities under the Equality Act 2010. Terminating employees solely for a positive test could violate this Act if discrimination is found. Rehab and return-to-work programmes are encouraged instead.

Should You Test Your Employees?

Workplace drug and alcohol testing programmes aim to promote safety and productivity but also have noteworthy disadvantages to consider. Assess your unique risks, corporate culture, and resources first. If testing is implemented, have non-discriminatory policies in place for dealing with positive results or addiction issues. And make it one component of a broader wellness initiative focused on physical and mental health at work.