Five Reasons Your Business Needs A More Robust Drug Policy

We live in very difficult times at present, and the rise of drug and alcohol abuse is rife. More people than ever before are struggling, with the opioid crisis, in particular, ruining the lives of thousands upon thousands of people.

But, of course, that has a knock-on effect on businesses too and it’s more important than ever before to ensure you have a robust drug policy as well as being able to offer support to members of staff, whether that be through teaming up with a drug rehab center, or simply giving them the time and space they need to get better.

What Does The Law Say About Workplace of Businesses Having Drug Policy? 

As an employer, it is your job to make sure of the responsible practices. You must take care of the well-being, health, and safety of the employees. Also, you are the one responsible for protecting the safety of the ones coming to visit the premises. 

This includes managing the safety and health risks that an employee can cause under the influence of drugs while they are at work, or during their working hours.  

It is necessary to remember that the effects of substance abuse remain long after the point of consumption. This can have an impact on their work cloud their judgment and stop them from concentrating. 

So, you as an employer have to make sure that your employee is not a danger to anyone or themselves when they are working because of the consumption of alcohol or drug abuse. 

This is more important in jobs where safety-critical elements are vital like driving, using machinery, and heavy lifting. Here substance abuse can become a threat to an employee, their colleagues, or the public around them. 

Why Do Businesses Need a Drug Policy? 

There are many other reasons as to why you need such a clear policy too, and here are five reasons you should perhaps reevaluate your drug policy due to the current climate…

It Will Increase Productivity

Drug abuse can severely impact an employee’s ability to perform their job effectively. It can lead to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and even accidents. By implementing a drug policy, you can ensure that your employees are in the best condition to perform their duties, which can lead to increased productivity and efficiency.

Safety and Welfare Will Improve

Workplace safety is a top priority for businesses in all industries. Drugs can impair an employee’s cognitive and physical abilities, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. A drug policy can help to identify employees who may be under the influence and prevent them from operating machinery or performing tasks that require full attention.

You Have a Legal Obligation

Businesses have a legal obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees. Failing to do so can lead to legal action and fines. By implementing a drug policy, you can demonstrate your commitment to the safety and well-being of your employees and ensure that you are complying with all relevant laws and regulations.

Improved Employee Morale

Drug abuse in the workplace can create a negative atmosphere, affecting employee morale and job satisfaction. By implementing a drug policy, you can send a clear message to your employees that drug abuse is not acceptable in the workplace. This can improve employee morale and create a positive work environment.

It’ll Protect Your Business

Drug abuse in the workplace can also expose your business to liability. If an employee is injured or causes an accident while under the influence of drugs, your business could be held liable. By implementing a drug policy, you can protect your business from potential lawsuits and damages.

Legal Issues Regarding Drug Testing in the Workplace 

Employers have to follow some legal guidance if they have to conduct a drug test at the workplace. Those are: 

• Limit testing to those who need to be tested, where there is a high chance of health and safety risks. It should be only done if it can be justified.  

• If you are conducting a random drug test, it should be genuine. It is deceptive and unfair if you let the employees believe it is random, but then you have any other motive behind it. 

• You can only test an employee if their job role demands it. It is discriminatory to target a specific group or one particular individual without any justified reason. 

• Use the least intrusive process possible for the drug test, this is beneficial for the reputation of your business as well. 

• Inform the employees why you are testing them, and the substances you are testing them for. 

You have to make sure that you are doing the tests fairly and lawfully. Most of the time it is justifiable because of the health and safety reasons of the employee.  

However, if you are doing it for the rules of your business, you have to ensure that your employees know about these when they join. 

You have to understand the rules and regulations of a drug test before you apply it and conduct it in your workplace. Moreover, you have to abide by the defined quality standards and make sure if there is any issue you can defend yourself. 

Also, take care of the samples and ensure that they don’t get contaminated and that the analysis and testing procedures are also taken care of. 

Wrapping up! 

To conduct a drug test in the workplace, you will require consent. If your business demands a screening process for employees, to manage health and safety risks, then you will need a drug policy.  

It should describe the need for the test, the details about how it will be conducted, and how the acquired result can impact the employee. Also, it should mention the consequences if the employee refuses the test. 

You can include it with the overall health and safety policy or you can have a completely separate document for this. Whatever you do, it has to be there whether in the contract or the employee handbook. 

Additional:

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