Why Drug Test?

1. SAFETY

Drug use impairs one's ability to function, and the effects are long-lasting. This means drug use can affect an employee's performance even if they use during non-working hours. Employees who use drugs are 3.6 times more likely to be involved in a workplace accident, and 5 times as likely to file a Worker's Compensation claim.  According to the National Council on Compensation Institute, 38% to 50% of Worker's Compensation claims are related to substance abuse. 

2. QUALITY OF WORK

The Center for Substance Abuse Research found that light and moderate drinkers cause 60% of tardiness, absenteeism, and poor quality work.  Heavy drinkers and alcoholics account for the remaining 40%.  According to SAMHSA research, drug abusers function at 67% of their capacity, and cost American businesses roughly $81 million in lost productivity in just one year. 

3. REDUCED HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS

Employers with longstanding drug testing programs report better health status among employees and their families and decreased use of medical benefits within the same groups.  According to the National Council on Compensation Insurance, substance abusers are 3 times more likely to use medical benefits than other employees.  Some companies participating in drug-free workplace programs qualify for reduced rates for worker's compensation and other insurance.  

4. REDUCED TURNOVER

Over 74% of drug abusers are employed, which means there are approximately 9.4 million substance abusers in the workplace.  (US Department of Health & Human Resources.)  Substance abusing employees are twice as likely as other employees to have changed employers three or more times in the past year. 

5. REDUCED ABSENTEEISM

Alcoholics and problem drinkers are absent 3.8 to 8.3 times more often than other employees, resulting in an estimated 500 million lost work days annually.  Drug users are 2.2 times more likely to request early dismissal/time off, 2.5 times more likely to have absences of 8 days or more, and 3 times more likely to be late for work.  Drug users are absent an average of 5 days per month.  (US Department of Labor.) Pre-employment and random testing have been proven useful in reducing workplace absenteeism.  

6. FEWER WORK-RELATED ACCIDENTS

Up to 40% of industrial fatalities and 47% of industrial accidents can be linked to alcohol use.  Drug users are 3.6 times more likely to be involved in workplace accidents, and 5 times more likely to file a worker's compensation claim. (Institute for Drug-Free Workplace, Washington, D.C.)  When a company program requires post-accident testing, it may be determined if drug/alcohol use was a factor in the accident, and could limit an employee's claim for injuries sustained as a result of their drug use.

7. REDUCED RECRUITMENT COSTS

There is significant cost associated with hiring, training, and terminating employees.  An effective testing program can reduce such costs by hiring non-users at the outset, and maintaining a working environment that discourages substance abuse.  If your company does not conduct pre-employment drug testing, the number of drug abusers in your pool of candidates is increased.     Q: Where do drug users look for a job?  A: At companies that do not test for drugs.

8. MORE PRODUCTIVE EMPLOYEES

Productive employees are the key to a company's success.  A company that increases productivity is more likely to meet it's goals and maintain a high level of growth and expansion.  Remember - Employees who abuse drugs are 33% less productive than non-using employees.  Drug testing programs improve morale.  Good employees resent having to pick up the slack for their drug abusing coworkers.  

9. REDUCED WORKPLACE CONFLICT

Conflict in the workplace can decrease productivity and present a danger to life and property.  Substance abuse is the third leading cause of workplace violence, according to the Society of Human Resource Management.

10. FEWER THEFTS AND CLAIMS

It is proven that conducting employee drug testing reduces theft and claims.  80% of working drug abusers steal from their employer to support their drug use.  (National Drug-Free Workplace Alliance.)  Drug users are 5 times more likely to file a worker's compensation claim.  According to the National Council on Compensation Institute, 38% to 50% of all worker's compensation claims are related to substance abuse.