There are many benefits associated with pre-employment drug screening. As a small business owner, you may not been aware of these benefits. Did you know that by creating a formal drug screening policy for your business, your company will significantly improve in more ways than one? 

Implementing a drug testing policy for your small business can reduce workplace accidents and injuries, and lower turnover. It can help to decrease your total worker’s compensation claims and your workplace’s medical expenses. A well-planned policy for drug testing can also help you see an increase in your employee’s morale and overall productivity. 

How Drug Abuse Harms Your Business 

There are an estimated 30 million people in the U.S. who suffer from addiction to drugs and alcohol. And around 75% of these individuals are currently employed with companies throughout the country. Most people are aware of the damaging effects of drugs and alcohol on a person, both mentally and physically. But what many people don’t know is how these addictions can have a detrimental impact on the workplace. 

Those addicted to drugs and alcohol will typically have poor decision-making skills. This can lead to accidents and injuries while on the job. They may have issues with productivity at work or even become violent with their co-workers. Studies show that one out of six on the job accidents is a result of drug or alcohol abuse. Research on this activity has been demonstrated that once a drug testing policy is enforced, many work-related accidents for that company are significantly reduced. 

How to Effectively Implement a Solid Drug Testing Policy 

Here are the steps to effectively enforce a strong and reliable drug testing policy. 

Before a drug test is conducted, the company owner should have a written policy that states when drug testing shall be done. That could be pre-employment testing, reasonable suspicion, or post-accident, for example. By creating these guidelines within their policy, the employer can guarantee consistency with testing applicants and current employees. Doing so will help eliminate the issue of discrimination claims. 

Business owners should establish in the policy what type of drug employees and applicants will be tested for. The employer might indicate the kind of drugs tested for and target commonly used drugs like cocaine, opioids, and marijuana. 

It is a good idea for employers to put together a written policy that outlines the entire process if someone tests positive for drugs or alcohol abuse. The result could be that the person would not be eligible for employment if they received positive results during a pre-employment test. These terms need to be outlined within the policy to help avoid any inconsistencies with the company’s drug testing. 

Every applicant and the current employees must be notified about any new additions or updates to the company’s drug-testing policy. All individuals should be informed and should agree to all drug testing before the screening. Doing so will help the company to avoid any issues later on. 

Consult with Soteria Screening Laboratories Today to Learn More 

Small business owners can eliminate several risks associated with hiring on a new employee who is using and abusing drugs or alcohol, all by simply enforcing a firm drug test policy. The benefits and value of conducting pre-employing drug tests and screenings are practically endless and can have a very positive effect on the future of your business. 

To find out more about the many ways pre-employment drug screening can help your small business, get in touch with the experts at Soteria Screening Laboratories. We look forward to assisting you with all your company’s screening needs.