Why Pre-employment Drug Testing is Essential

Many companies conduct drug testing to take advantage of incentives, such as reductions in workers' compensation insurance rates. In reality, any employer aiming to ensure a safe, productive work environment and minimize the risks associated with employee drug use should implement employment drug testing.

When Employment Drug Testing Typically Occurs

An employee drug testing program encompasses both pre-employment and post-hire screening. Employers should carefully consider when testing will occur and ensure consistency in requirements across the company.

• Pre-Employment: The most common type of drug test is pre-employment drug testing, conducted as a condition of future employment.
   

• Post-Accident: Employers should conduct employee drug testing after an accident or incident to determine if drug use may have played a role.
   

• Random: Most employers aim to establish a random employee alcohol and drug testing program, where a percentage of all employees are screened randomly throughout the year. This is an excellent way to ensure employees remain drug-free beyond the standard pre-employment drug testing.
   

• Reasonable Suspicion: With the increasing use of marijuana, it is even more critical for employers to require employee drug testing when illegal drug use is suspected. Employers are strongly encouraged to train their managers on how to accurately detect and handle situations involving reasonable suspicion.
   

• Pre-Placement: For employees returning to work after an injury or absence.
   

• Return to Duty: Employees who fail an employee drug test and are ready to return to the workplace may be required to undergo a return-to-duty employee drug test.