Drug-Free Work Week, October 18-24, 2010
Do You Have A Substance Testing Program In Place?
Each year, the Department of Labor and Industry (DOL) in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), sponsors a drug-free work week to raise awareness of the impact that substance abuse plays within our communities and our workplace. According to the DOL, 75%of the nation’s current illegal drug users are employed and 3.1% say they have actually used illegal drugs before or during work hours. In addition, 79% of the nation’s heavy alcohol users are employed and 7.1% say they have actually consumed alcohol during the work day.
These statistics should heighten employer concerns for employee safety, loss of production and overall profitability. During Drug-Free Work Week, EBI, along with government agencies, urge employers to take a closer look at their drug and alcohol detection and awareness programs, or implement new programs if none currently exist.
EBI recommends the following best practices for employers to reduce the impact that drugs and alcohol play within their organization:
- Review and update your current substance abuse screening policy with HR management and Legal Counsel.
- Review DOT issued amendments to testing that go into effect October 1, 2010. The amendment could affect your substance abuse policy.
- If you are considering implementing a substance abuse screening program, read our “Getting ROI Out Of Your Drug Testing Program” article to learn the cost savings to your company bottom line.
Additional DOL recommendations can be viewed on the Drug-Free Work Week site.
EBI offers a wide variety of options when it comes to drug and alcohol testing programs, from pre-employment, random, post accident and mobile collection options. With vast expertise and knowledge, EBI can help you develop a drug testing program to meet you specific needs, whether lab based or instant solution. We utilize a network of over 15,000 collection sites to make it convenient for your candidate. No matter if it is a Regulated (DOT) or Non-regulated (Non-DOT) managed program, we offer SAMHSA certified laboratory analysis and MRO review to meet the strictest of governmental regulatory requirements.
In addition to our expansive network of clinics, we offer the most state-of-the-art technology through our proprietary software RandomTrac ™, FormServ ™ and CNet-Link ™ to keep your program cost-effective, efficient and compliant. Let EBI show you how to maximize your ROI by incorporating the right drug and alcohol testing program to meet your needs.
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All information contained herein is provided by Employment Background Investigations solely for the convenience of its clients. EBI is not providing legal advice or counsel and nothing provided on this document should be deemed as legal guidance or advice. Readers should consult with their own legal counsel to determine their legal responsibilities or if they have questions on any information provided by EBI.