5 Reasons Why Employers Test for Drugs and Alcohol

Have you ever wondered why some companies require drug tests while others do not? There are several reasons.

From laws and insurance costs to community relations and safety, employers have varied reasons for performing drug tests. Testing can occur before employment, randomly or periodically during employment, or after an accident or court-related order.

Below are five common reasons employers perform drug testing, followed by another reason that is sometimes overlooked.

Common Drug-Testing Reasons

1. Ensuring compliance with state and federal drug-testing laws

   Federal regulations apply across the country, while states may establish their own legislation in certain areas. Some companies are required to test for drug use to comply with state regulations. Failure to comply can lead to costly consequences from both federal and state governments.

2. Receiving discounts from insurance companies and workers’ compensation plans

   Companies may receive discounts or bundled payment options when they follow federal and state drug-testing regulations. In some states, employees who violate their employer’s drug policies may become disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits when employers follow the applicable testing guidelines.

3. Providing and promoting a safe workplace

   Drug-testing practices can help employers lower accident risks and improve work quality. Many employers prioritize employee safety and use pre-employment, random, or periodic testing to help ensure that employees are safe and performing their duties adequately.

4. Promoting positive community and employer relations

   A drug-testing policy can help employers build community confidence by supporting quality performance and safe working conditions. Such policies may give employers, consumers, and the community peace of mind by demonstrating the company’s commitment to trustworthy products or services.

5. Deterring drug users from seeking employment and discouraging drug use during employment

   Some companies do not want to hire people who use drugs because of liability risks, potential damage to their community reputation, and possibly higher insurance costs.

   Employers may use pre-employment drug testing to deter substance users and help prevent drug-related accidents and other liabilities. Random and periodic testing may be used for the same reason during active employment.

   Employers can be held liable for employee accidents and injuries when an employer is found negligent. Employer negligence and negligent supervision can involve failing to adequately ensure employee safety and verify requirements before and during employment. For example, in Allgeier v. MV Transportation, an employee with a history of alcohol use caused an accident while under the influence.

   The employer was found negligent because it was unaware of the employee’s alcohol-use history and did not test her for substances until a significant time after the accident. Although the employee later tested negative, the employer had also failed to verify information on her pre-employment application, which proved to be false.

   Companies want to avoid the difficulty and expense of liability claims, so they may rely on drug testing as a preventive measure.

What You May Not Realize About Drug Testing

Drug testing is sometimes performed as a way to help employees. If that surprises you, you are not alone. One less commonly understood reason employers perform drug tests is that they may want to help their employees.

Although drug testing has a reputation for deterrence and protecting employers’ reputations, it may also help people who use drugs obtain assistance. Some companies offer support programs that may include rehabilitation services and counseling.

Companies That Perform Drug Testing

Drug-testing requirements are not uniform across all types of employment or employers, so some employers do not use these tests. The following list provides several examples of companies that perform drug testing at various intervals.

• Amazon
• Bank of America
• Best Buy
• Comcast
• Family Dollar
• FedEx
• McDonald’s
• Morgan Stanley
• UPS
• Waffle House
• YMCA

Drug testing can help or hinder both employers and employees. Depending on an employer’s policies and procedures, federal and state laws, and the other factors discussed above, testing may occur before hiring, randomly, periodically, or after an incident.

Be sure you understand your prospective or current employer’s drug-testing policies so that you can be prepared. If you use drugs and are facing an upcoming hair drug test, there are ways you can help ensure you will pass.

Also read: Common Types of Drug Tests Used by Employers

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