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Employers: Why A Drug Abuse Prevention Program Can Help You Prevent Headaches

One of the best ways a company can save money and reduce frequent turnover is to implement a solid drug abuse prevention program. By doing so a business can:

• Deter workplace violence
• Reduce employee theft
• Increase productivity
• Lower absenteeism
• Reduce worker’s compensation claims

There are several steps to implementing a successful drug abuse prevention program.

An employer should make sure that all job applicants and employees are treated fairly and consistently when following these steps:

• Pre-employment background screen:  One of the most cost-effective ways to keep candidates with drug abuse problems from becoming your employee is through a drug screening prior to employment. It has the greatest deterrence effect. Most applicants with drug abuse issues will avoid companies that conduct drug screens as a condition of employment. And a drug test will readily identify those who have recently taken drugs.

A good choice in employment drug testing firms is employment background screening firm Accu-Screen, Inc. This firm is affiliated with a network of national laboratories that provide testing for legal and illegal drug usage. All testing is conducted through NIDA, DOT and HRS certified facilities and meets current Federal and State Drug-Free Workplace requirements.

Additionally, Accu-Screen, Inc. conducts previous employment drug test verifications as required by the FAA and the Department of Transportation.

• Incident-driven drug testing: Specific incidents may trigger employer suspicions of drug abuse and warrant drug testing. Examples include a medical emergency that appears to be drug-related, the observance of drugs or drug paraphernalia at an employee’s desk or work area or erratic behavior that may be influenced by drug abuse.

• Post-accident investigation drug testing: On-the-job accidents that may involve human error should trigger drug testing of those employees involved. This should be done regardless of whether or not there are injuries to the employee or others.

• Retesting of employees during and after drug rehabilitation: Employees who are or have participated in drug rehabilitation programs should be retested for the presence of drug usage. Random testing helps assure successful rehabilitation.

• Periodic drug testing with advance notice: Planned in advance and in a consistent manner, periodic testing can be conducted for jobs involving stress, requiring physical endurance or involving executive level decision-making.
  
  
• Testing of employees in safety-conscious jobs: Jobs involving the safety, health and security of the employee, co-workers or the public represent a significant public interest and may require special employer precautions to assure that its workers are “drug-free”.
  
  
• Random, unannounced drug tests: Random testing without pre-notification is most likely to identify drug users. Be warned that it may create morale problems and trigger union grievances or employee legal claims. Employers should proceed with caution before selecting this option.
  
  
• Offer counseling options to employees with a drug substance problem: Ideally, employers should also offer employees access to drug abuse counseling and rehabilitation programs as part of the drug abuse prevention program.

When an employer has a solid drug abuse prevention program, serious problems and headaches can be avoided. It sends a clear message to prospective employees and current employees that drug abuse will not be tolerated.

If you are interested in obtaining more information about drug testing procedures, Accu-Screen, Inc. is an excellent place to start your search. Visit www.accuscreen.com for more information on drug testing services.