If you’ve been following the news lately, you’ve no doubt heard about Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) in sports. Have you ever considered drug testing your employees but wondered how it would affect your business? Although you probably don’t need to worry about PEDs, you may want to consider random drug testing if you aren’t already.
Here are some guidelines to follow when considering how to implement random drug testing policies:
Be upfront and honest with your employees about random drug testing and the reasons why you are implementing this at your business.
Make sure you fully explain how you expect your employees to abide by these rules. Does this mean no drug use at work or in their lifestyle at all? Does it include certain drugs or all drugs?
Have clear, firm rules regarding the penalty for being caught using drugs and the steps and procedures for multiple offenses.
Make sure to properly document any violations, as well as to keep records of all positive drug tests in case an employee tries to argue with the outcome of their drug test.
Use a reliable testing company or over the counter test kits that have a low rate of error to avoid any false accusations.
A final important point to consider: if you do implement a random drug testing policy, make sure you adhere to your own policy. Failing to follow your own procedures could open the door for an Employment Practices Liability Insurance claim.
For more information, check out the U.S Department of Labors policies and position on drug testing.
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