Things You Should Know About Drug Screening
The resume you checked is flawless, and even the interview went perfectly. However, to hire the best talent, it is also essential to conduct employee drug screening tests as a part of your background screening process.
Many small and large organizations require potential applicants to clear the drug screening test before offering them the job. According to the U.S Department of Labor, employees who abuse drugs are more likely to submit claims for workers compensation. Apart from this, drug abuse can also lead to inadequate productivity, increased absenteeism and tardiness. With an efficient employee drug screening service, employers can easily identify substance abuse problems within the workplace.
Why Should Employers Conduct Employee Drug Screening?
Employers are required to provide a safe working employment for their employees. Many job profiles require candidates to perform their job adequately as any lag can directly impact the safety of others. It is common for industries such as manufacturing, transportation, and construction to conduct drug screening on a regular basis and also make it compulsory for new hires. This directly helps to minimize any workplace hazard and the possibility of negligent hiring that puts co-workers and the public at risk.
Types of Drug Testing
A urine analysis is the most common type of employee drug screening test wherein a sample is sent to a laboratory to check any traces of drugs specified by the hiring firm. In addition to this, employers may also conduct hair, saliva, or breath testing.
In most cases, recruiters will opt for a 5-panel or 10-panel test to check the most commonly used drugs.
The five-panel test checks the following drugs:
- THC (marijuana)
- Opiates such as heroin, codeine and morphine
- Amphetamine/Methamphetamine
- Cocaine
- Phencyclidine or PCP
The ten-panel drug test screens the following:
- Propoxyphene
- Opiates such as heroin, codeine and morphine
- Methadone
- Phencyclidine or PCP
- Cocaine
- Barbiturates
- Amphetamine
- Methamphetamine
- THC (marijuana)
- Benzodiazepines
The 10-panel drug screening test includes more recreational drugs and prescription medications such as Valium, Ativan, Xanax, Rohypnol, and even weight-loss drugs.
Is The Test Legal?
The current emphasis on creating a safe workplace for the employees has encouraged drug testing across different organizations. Currently, there are separate state laws governing drug testing policy, and it is essential that each organization follows the law.
Generally, it is necessary to inform the applicants that drug testing is the part of the hiring process for all employees. Also, you must have the same policy for employees with the same job positions. An employer cannot pick and choose which applicants will be screened. Post-hire, employers can screen employees in certain positions with high risk factors.
Also, the employer must have a written drug policy in place justifying the reasons to conduct a drug screening for the said job position.
When the background screening process is streamlined and includes employee drug screening test, companies can hire confidently. If you’re thinking about implementing drug testing into your application process make sure to use a reputable employee drug screening services so you can ensure your organization obeys the law while securing the right talent for your firm.