Dealing with Drugs Int He Workplace

Dealing with drugs in workplace

Table of Contents

Effects of Drugs in the Workplace……………………………………………………………….1

Privacy and Legality of Drug Testing……………………………………………………………5

Laws Governing Drug Testing in the Workplace………………………………………………..6

Alternatives on Dealing with Drugs in the Workplace…………………………………………..7

There is one issue sensitive to all employees of a business large or small: Drugs in the workplace. The use of illegal drugs can be for recreational or medical purposes, but where does this fit within the workplace and the needs of an employer? How should employers deal with drugs in the work environment? Should drug testing be part of a corporate policy used to determine the effectiveness of its employees?

For corporations small or large, there should be a policy for drug testing for various reasons. Some companies employ the use of regular drug testing due to the nature of the business, such as companies that are in the transportation sector. Their employees carry a great deal of responsibility to the public at large when on the job. Other companies use drug testing in the initial hiring phase so as to know who they are letting in their doors. The safety of other employees can be a crucial factor.

The drugs that we speak of are controlled substances. Drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, or other mind-altering chemicals deemed illegal by the U.S. Government. If our government deems these drugs illegal, how can employers allow them as acceptable in the workplace? Doing so would prove to be a lapse in judgment, and put the safety of other employees and the liability of the company at serious risk.

For companies in the transportation sector, the liability is extremely high. If an employee of a company is in the position of transporting the public by air, rail, or sea, what are the dangers present? An employee in this capacity has to have sound mind and judgment...