What is Random Drug testing:
Drug use at a workplace is a very common practise. As per National Survey on Drug Use and Health more than 70% of Americans Dealing with Alcohol or Drug Addiction Are Employed. This has accounted in to companies incurring a staggering loss of $100 billion a year.
Drinking and drugging among U.S. workers creates costly medical, social, and other unforeseen losses that cannot be measured in economic terms, affecting both employees and employers in a long run. So in order to implement corporate drug-free workplace policy, employers at many corporate houses conduct Random drug testing.
As the name suggests Random drug testing is conducted without giving any prior notification which effectively results in deterring drug and alcohol use in the workplace.
Although random drug testing is an effective tool at detecting and eliminating of drug usage, it works best when it is implemented with a pre-employment testing program. Since it keeps the drug users away from being hired at the first place.
What are the best practice of implementing Random drug test
Every company has a different policy for implementing of random drug testing program. Since the employees are not aware when they will be picked for the test, it is all the more effective when conducted every quarterly.However element of surprise that is associated with random testing can brings positive outcome only when implemented by meeting best practice and in compliance with regulatory standards.
Below are some recommended best practices that employers should consider when implementing a random drug and alcohol testing program.
A right random selection process should be conducted through a draw, third party administrator or a computer program Making the process bias and fair for all employees.
Time limit between notifying the employee about the possible test should only be enough for him to reach form his workplace to the testing facility. Less time given to the employee will reduce the chances of an employees to cheat or evading a test.
Reduction in notification time given to the employee helps reducing any kind of test evading possibility on part of the employee. Less time the employee has to prepare the more harder it is for them to cheat. The recommended amount of time between notification and testing should only be the amount of time it will take the employee to get from the business to the testing facility. If a worker doesn't make it to the testing facility within the allotted time, then it should be considered a refusal to test.
Although employees are aware that they may be picked anytime for random drug test Implementation of random drug and alcohol test.
Every company has a different policy
Now that we know what random testing is all about , let us understand the best practise of implementing it. Every company has a different policy in this regard
Random testing is effective due to its surprise factor. The fact that they are unaware of the time they may be tested the random testing should be performed every quartely for sucessful results. However,every company has different set of rules regarding testing schedule. And some may opt for frequent testings.
But, inorder to get best results it is important to to follow best practices in compliance with the state regulatory standards.
Below are a few recommended best practices that an employer should follow when implementing a random drug and alcohol testing program.
An employer must select one or more individual from the list of employees at the work place.
By opting for a random selection process, the employers ensure that there is no preference or partiality and all employees are given an equal chance of being selected, even those who have been drug tested recently.
The element of surprise is what makes random drug testing an effective tool to prevent.
Now let's look at a few of the vital reasons How Random drug testing works best for the employers?
Random drug testing Ensures your work-place is sober with reduced injury threat, It also Safeguards the interest of employees who do use drugs. The mere knowledge that the workplace is safe improves employee morale and productivity.
Decresses absenteeism and theft among workers
Helps to reduce the company cost or else spent on implement the substance abuse recovery programs.
Helps employers identify the workers with drug problems and help in facilitating their treatment. Reduces employer liability.
