Employers regard pre-employment drug screening as a critical safety issue in the workplace with most of the Fortune 500 companies doing it. The use of drugs is pervasive in some cultures and extends on to the workplace. This robs companies of millions of hours of productive work and disrupts employee morale. Companies have a right to expect and obligation to promote a healthy, productive and a safe workplace. The use of drugs and alcohol can adversely affect these interests.
Some of the reasons employers require pre-employment drug testing are:
• Customer or contract requirement compliance
• Federal regulations compliance (e.g., Department of Defense, Department of Energy, etc.)
• Federal and state regulations
Usually, the drug testing kits used in screening is the urine test kit which uses the 5 panel diagnostic tool. This already tests for the five commonly abused drugs – cocaine, marijuana, opiates, PCP, heroin.
However, there are more reason why a private company for example would require one:
1. For the safety of the company and its employees.
2. Helps In Effective Hiring Decision Making
3. To Reduce Absenteeism and Promote Productivity in the Workplace
4. Reduces Disciplinary Actions
5. Prevents Losses Due To Absenteeism, Theft, and Fraud
Pre employment drug screening is absolutely essential. An employee’s background check is always considered as the first line of assurance in the hiring process.