Employee drug testing is implemented by many companies to ensure discipline and safety. Certain policies are planned by the employers to conduct the tests without any issues. Here are some guidelines which can be followed for conducting successful drug-free workplace programs.
- Careful planning is required for starting a drug-free workplace program. Clear goals and policies need to be established.
- Involving employees while discussing about the programs helps a lot. They may give any advices or clarify the goals in such discussions.
- Discussion with union representatives is very helpful for employers. They can communicate the policies, purpose, and procedure of the drug-free workplace program to the employees they represent.
- It is necessary to be fair at the consequences of pre-employment drug testing or random drug testing.
- Confidentiality should be protected. If any employee is tested positive, the results should be kept confidential and should not be disclosed to others. The employer should make a policy that any violations in confidentiality may result in certain penalties and disciplinary actions.
- Employers have to ensure the employees that drug tests are conducted by properly trained and supervised laboratory officials. It is to be made sure that the results are made known to candidates by a medical review officer.
- All the legal issues and regulations according to the drug-free workplace act and other state laws are to be followed. It is also better if the employees are educated on these issues.
- All the ethical issues related to employment drug testing should be managed properly.
- Cost of employee drug tests should be estimated before starting them. Use of multi-panel drug test kits at workplaces is beneficial and cost-effective.
- The consequences of violating the programs and failure in drug testing should be made clear to the employees.
These guidelines may be helpful to both employers and employees for making a drug-free workplace program successful.
