Widespread Drug Implementation

Widespread drug use on and off the job are an increasing concern for employers of both private and public sector employees. It is estimated that as many as one-third of people living in America aged 12 or over, have indulged in marijuana or even more harsh drugs for purposes of recreation. This is a serious issue that has widespread implications on workplace productivity and safety. There’s also the matter of higher rates of being absent, property damage, high employee turnover rates, and an overall hit to a company’s morale. (Dwyer, 1989). Nearly 30 percent of current drug and alcohol abusers interviewed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) stated they avoid employers that conduct random testing (Delogu, …show more content…
They are citing the main reason for doing so is loss of productivity among their employees. They realize it will cost a great deal of money in laboratory and legal expenses, and they run the risk of damaging innocent employee’s careers if not implemented properly. However, they deem it appropriate in the business where public safety is an overriding issue (Cowan, Unfortunately for them the process can sometimes be cumbersome with multiple steps to go through for implementation of such a policy. In order for XYZ to institute the program it must first have a written policy in place prior to implementation. Without properly researching the laws, XYZ opens themselves up to possible litigations from their employees due to breaches of statute. XYZ must first begin their zero drug or alcohol policy by implementing a drug and alcohol test for all of their employees. As stated above this will cover four areas of testing as to cover all their bases. Preferential job applicants only must be screened in order to not waste resources or money on applicants not being considered for employment. Secondly a post-accident drug or alcohol testing policy should be implemented for workplace accidents that raise suspicions of management. Third a random employee screening must be put in place to help keep a drug free workplace. This must be done through a third …show more content…
It’s best to have an open dialogue with the employee first. Management at XYZ must determine if there is a medical condition or possible disability that makes the employee show these signs of abuse. If it determined that there is no medical condition or disability then XYZ must move forward with drug and alcohol screening. XYZ must also have a company policy in place that states all company property is subject to search, such as lockers and offices. The employees need to realize that there is to be no expectation of privacy while on duty at