Why Should Every Company Drug Test?
Saves You Money
Why should every company drug test? Because each year drug and alcohol abuse costs U.S. companies billions of dollars, which includes turnover rates for employees, unexcused absences, lower productivity, accidents, and increased workers’ compensation claims. According to the National Safety Council, employees who abuse prescription drugs are two to five times more likely to take unexcused absences. For instance, being late for work, being injured or violent at work, file workers’ compensation claims, and quit or be fired within one year of employment.
- The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) reports 70% of the 14.8 million Americans who abuse drugs are employed.
- 74% of all current illegal drug users are employed and cause up to 40% of industrial fatalities in the US according to the National Drug-Free Workplace Alliance (NDWA).
- 50% of workplace accidents and up to 40% of employee theft is caused by drug abuse according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Benefits of Drug Testing
Testing your current and potential employees can help prevent and detect workplace drug abuse. The most common drugs include marijuana, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, methamphetamine, and opioids. For instance, Employers with a drug-testing program in place report:
- Reduced employee healthcare costs
- Improvements in employee morale, productivity, and performance
- Decreased absenteeism, accidents, downtime, turnover, and theft
- Compliance with state or federal regulations
- Being able to identify and refer employees who have drug and/or alcohol problems
- Providing a safe workplace for employees