Drug screening and testing

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, one in six working Americans has a drug problem. The crisis is particularly acute in the construction industry and cuts across all ethnic groups, trades, professions and educational backgrounds, resulting in a total cost of more than $100 billion a year to American businesses.

Some of the impact might be masked, but the U.S. Chamber of Commerce statistics show that drug users are nearly seven times more likely to be involved in accidents. They are absent about 40 percent more than non-users, and are one-third less productive. They are also fired about 40 percent more often than non-users, significantly impacting workplace efficiency and a company’s bottom line.

Drug testing and screening should be approached carefully and with sound legal counsel and full awareness of compliance with privacy and employment issues. For a good guide on the subject, call the program administrator for GlassInsure, NGA’s sponsored insurance program, at 800/640-7601, and ask for “Drug Screening and Testing.”