Description
Drug use and abuse have been an ongoing topic for discussion by employers for decades. In fact, pre-employment drug testing is conducted by more than 80% of US employers. In the past few years, however, changes in the social and legal environment, particularly at the state level, have brought new attention to the concerns over drug use. In addition, the misuse of prescription drugs, in particular opioids, has raised new concerns for employers over safety and security.
What do employers need to know about the current environment and what can they do to protect their employees and the firm from problems related to drug use and abuse.
Employees who abuse drugs, including illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter drugs, either on their own time or at work, pose a significant and wide-ranging problem for employers, managers, and co-workers. These problems can include diminished job performance, lower productivity, absenteeism, tardiness, turnover, and increased medical and workers’ compensation bills. Employees who abuse drugs can also make the workplace more dangerous and can expose employers to increased risk of legal liability.
The present trend toward legalization suggests that more states will alter their drug testing laws to account for the legalization of marijuana. This creates a need for employers to maintain a safe and drug-free workplace in the environment created by these new regulations.
Every industry and every employer are affected, in some way, by the legalization trend. Of particular concern is the legalization of the recreational use of marijuana. It is always better to be proactive rather than reactive and human resource professionals are wise to prepare for the coming changes in their state laws.