Noviche BioScience

Workplace Drug Testing

We are often asked by concerned employers about the benefits and pitfalls associated with Employee Drugs Testing and Workplace Drug Testing policies. While there is a need for essential safeguards around confidentiality, data protection, human rights, and civil liberties, a well-constructed drug testing programme will go a long way in promoting and maintaining a drug and alcohol-free workplace. Some of the most commonly asked questions are listed below:

***************************************

1. "What are the benefits of introducing a drug and alcohol policy and testing?"

Answer: It is a proven, low-cost strategy, which identifies those needing help, reduces demand, cuts down on accidents and sickness leave, reduces compensation claims, improves attendance and increases productivity.

"Drug abuse makes the user 33% less productive, 3 times as likely to be late, four times as likely to hurt others at work or themselves, five times as likely to sue for compensation and ten times as likely to miss work."

2. "What if I have no means of implementing a drug and alcohol policy?"

Answer: This is a common statement from many health and safety and personnel professionals in industry. Invariably, Health and Safety policies already exist and people should be made aware of the need to be responsible for themselves and their colleagues. Little if any, attention is drawn to the very real hazards of drink and drug related work accidents but the Health and Safety policy is the vehicle used to promote the safety culture and secure the work place against habitual users.

"Up to 40% of all injuries sustained in the workplace, are attributed to alcohol and/or drug misuse"

3. "I know most of the people who work here, there are no drug or alcohol abusers in this workforce so why would I need a drug and alcohol policy?"

Answer: This is another common statement. If the police suspect that one in five road accidents are caused by drug related problems, and one in seven deaths on the road involve drivers over the legal drink drive limit, how can you be sure there are really no abusers in your workforce?

"43% of people surveyed in the 2008 crime survey were reported to have consumed an illegal substance at some point in their lives (14% within the last month)."

4. "Will the Trade Union object and try to prevent us from implementing a drug and alcohol policy?"

Answer: No. The Trade Unions strongly back a responsible drug and alcohol policy. With the emphasis on education and rehabilitation, you will enhance the employee, employer relationship.

"The TUC, along with the Institute of Personnel and Development, Institute Of Directors, HSE and the Police, have all recently endorsed a national initiative for business and industry, to acknowledge the problem of substance abuse in the workplace and to develop policies based on welfare principles"

5. "Our health and safety policy does not cover drink and drug related issues. Is it very difficult to know exactly what to include and how to administer it correctly?"

Answer: Simple. With our extensive experience in this field, we can write a bespoke policy for you in a matter of weeks and provide a comprehensive implementation, training and educational package.

"In the US up to 90% of companies regularly use pre-employment, for-cause and random substance testing, whilst the British government has started encouraging drug and alcohol testing by UK employers. The CIPD estimate that 60% of UK businesses have a Drugs and Alcohol policy in place."

6. "We don't have a doctor on site and these tests are complicated. Will they stand up in a tribunal or court of Law?"

Answer: The testing process could not be simpler. You can start with a CE approved screening device to administer yourself and move on to a Home Office scientific analysis, with a chain of custody procedure and expert testimony that will stand up in any court or tribunal. Trained collectors can be provided on 24hour call out, or your own staff can be trained and certificated in the collection process.

"Alcohol screening products meet Home Office standards, whilst scientific analysis of urine samples, is conducted by our ISO 17025 accredited laboratory service who provide scientific support to the British judicial system."

7. "I recognise the need for testing but isn't it an expensive process?"

Answer: Not at all. These tests are inexpensive and most companies who adopt a policy benefit from greater productivity and fewer costly incidents.

"£3 Billion per year, is the estimated cost to British industry from drug and alcohol related problems."