How To Implement a Successful Drug Testing Program

by Peter Cholakis

The effects of on-the-job accidents resulting from drug abuse go beyond injuries and possible loss of life. Consider the high insurance payouts and costs, increased benefit utilization and workers comp claims caused by drug abusers. These can drive insurance premiums to unmanageable levels. Injured employees are away from work, often for extended periods of time. And high accident rates can damage the company’s reputation. All of these factors can severely affect any organization’s ability to stay competitive. With this in mind, instituting an employee drug testing program seems to be a natural solution.

Implementing a drug testing program may seem like a daunting task for an organization, but, in fact, the process is relatively straightforward and generally well accepted if approached with the right resources and support. Since drug testing is a strategic corporate issue that affects the safety of employees, the financial bottom line and the overall competitiveness of an organization, the key is getting a commitment from all levels of the enterprise.
Read the entire article featured in the November issue of Risk Management Magazine.