Is Workplace Drug Testing Changing?

Source: Dumb Little Man

Back in 2012, positive drug test rates among American employees were just under 5%, hitting a 30-year low. Today, 88% of employers conduct drug testing at any point in the tenure of their employees. And as marijuana legalization continues to move forward, more employers are considering it critical for their business and employees.

However, there are few business owners who are considering in eliminating it.

The Upside To Drug Testing

Workplaces that practice regular drug testing enjoy improved morale, communication, and safety. There’s also reduced employee turnover and lowered insurance costs. Employees have minimal chances of getting injured because of a mistake from an impaired co-worker. That eliminates insurance claims that could skyrocket all of their premiums as a result.

• 83% of employers consider marijuana use as a cause for poor-quality new hires and job candidates
• 86% are concerned about marijuana making its way into the workplace
• 86% worry that further legalization can boost office operating costs from workers comp claims and higher health insurance costs, even potential litigation issues from legal uncertainty

Limits To Workplace Drug Testing

Workplace drug testing isn’t here to fight the war on drugs. Instead, it works only to cultivate and maintain a healthy and safe work environment. Unfortunately, drug testing alone still doesn’t guarantee this.

As of 2004, one in six companies has actually admitted to the use of samples to assess new hires for genetic factors without the candidates knowing it. Today, employees are protected by the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) and in most states, it is illegal for employers to run genetic testing on employees.

Legally, all drug test results are protected health information and must be kept confidential. With that, employers may not share this information or any other medical information this test may reveal. However, employers do reserve the right to perform a drug test under…

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