A lot has changed about the way businesses operate over the last couple of decades. One particular area of change has been the way employers go about drug testing workers. Drug tests are still administered in many industries. However, changes in legislation and attitudes toward certain substances and drug use have affected workplace drug test policies.

What Has Changed About Drug Testing?

Cannabis Legalization

One of the most substantial changes to drug testing has been the widespread legalization of cannabis (marijuana). For years it was common for employers to test employees for cannabis as part of their drug testing policies.

However, changes in the substance’s legal status in many U.S. states have prompted employers to revise their testing policies. Some industries may still test for THC, among other substances, for health and safety reasons. But testing for cannabis is far less common today than in the past.

Worker Protections

New legal protections have also been instituted for workers in some instances. For example, workers in many industries are entitled to access to paid leave to undergo substance abuse treatment. Other legislation, like the Americans with Disabilities Act, provides protections for certain groups when it comes to drug testing in the workplace.

Factors to Consider When Administering Drug Tests

Legal Regulations

One of the most important things to consider when setting modern workplace drug testing policies is the legal regulations in your industry. Several industries are required by federal law to drug test certain workers for health and safety reasons. Most transportation industries, for example, have mandatory drug testing policies.

In other industries, regulations are governed more often by state legislation. So be sure to check your local regulations when updating workplace drug test policies.

Reason for Testing

Employers can implement drug tests for several reasons. As mentioned, safety is a significant factor in several industries. However, this is not the only reason for drug testing in the workplace. When outlining modern drug testing policies, it is important to identify the reason why testing is important.

This can provide structure and clarity for employers, as well as transparency and a better understanding for employees. Some other motivating factors behind employee drug testing include:

• Improved workplace productivity and morale
• Protecting the company image or reputation
• Reduced risk of injury or damage to company property

When to Test

Modern drug testing protocols should also stipulate exactly when drug tests will be administered. Pre-employment drug testing as part of the new employee onboarding procedure is typically reserved only for jobs where such tests are legally mandated. As such, this method of drug testing is not recommended for most employers.

Random drug testing can be an effective method if employers believe there to be a substance abuse issue in their workplace. However, random drug testing can cause morale concerns. If the tests are not properly justified, employees may feel as though their trust and privacy are being violated.

Selective drug testing when there is reasonable suspicion can also be effective. As long as the drug testing policy is clearly outlined, these tests should be less of a concern for worker morale. Reasonable suspicion testing also provides the necessary protection against workplace accidents or injuries.

What to Test For

There is also the question of what to test for. As mentioned above, some employers have cut back on testing for cannabis. But this is not the only substance that can be detected via drug testing. Other substances which can be tested for include:

• Opioids
• Cocaine
• Amphetamines
• Alcohol

Some substances may require different test types than others. Identifying what substances should be tested for is an important part of modern workplace drug testing policies.
To learn more, read about the different drug test options available from Soteria.