Unemployed individuals are often at the center of drug use abuse. However, that doesn’t mean the working class is exceptional. With modern scientific discoveries showing the benefits of cannabis in relieving anxiety, stress, and pain, it is no surprise that working professionals have taken such recreational drugs.
Despite their legality, substances like cannabis and alcohol can lead to poor impulse control, loss of concentration, and poor motor skills. This is especially dangerous in technical fields where heavy machinery and people’s lives are at risk, so employers should conduct random FAA drug testing to ensure that drug abuse does not occur at the workplace.
To maintain and manage proper random drug and alcohol testing, you should consider enforcing the following measures to help you manage random alcohol and drug testing:
Implement a Random and Scientific Selection Process
An employee can receive a medical certificate about FAA standards after negative results. This same employee may be tested severally owing to the random selection.
This is preferable since the employees will not be aware of upcoming tests, thus eliminating instances of forced compliance to the drug standards or attempts at deceit.
Employees will be more likely to be cautious at all times since they may get clean for a drug test but engage in risky behavior later on.
The FAA drug tests are random, and there is no specific method to select who undergoes the test. This test is normally reserved for aviation staff and government contract employees, and those in the transport industry.
This is especially important since drug-addicted employees cost employers millions annually and can lead to legal liabilities in case of any harm or injury.
The tests range from hair follicle to urinalysis so that you can receive quality and reliable results as an employer. Hair follicle tests, in particular, can show drug use that has occurred over the past 90 days.
Maintain Proper Records of the Entire Drug and Alcohol Testing Process
The drug and alcohol testing process can lead to employees losing their safety-sensitive roles. Disgruntled employees can turn to litigation in such instances, damaging the company’s reputation. So, it is important to protect yourself from such an occurrence.
Records showing that the employee was aware of the random drug test when they began work, the fairness of the process, and the consequences will help was no discrimination whatsoever.
This can happen if an employee thinks they have been selected severally, unlike their colleagues, so explaining the random selection process is important.
This documentation is best kept by human resources who manage the employees.
Follow State and Federal Regulations
Employees who choose to seek litigation might have a potential case if the process was illegal. Matters such as consent and prior knowledge before accepting the job help the firm avoid litigation.
The methods used should also avoid infringing on the employee’s rights and should be by industry standards. One of the FAA standards is that 25% drug and 10% alcohol safety-sensitive drug tests should occur annually.
This is the main reason an external medical examiner is used since they comply with federal and state laws and are not subject to employer terms. Their qualifications and certifications hinge on their skill and professionalism, so they will not risk their livelihood.
Implement Policies to Help Good Employees Who Fail Drug and Alcohol Tests
Due to random testing, your best employees may wind up failing their drug test. Most employers do not think of this until it happens.
It is important to formulate provisions to help addicts recover or get help without enforcing overly strict rules. Evaluate your company policies to ensure they are effective and relevant to the current industry environment and standards.
This should be on a case-by-case basis with an understanding of their problems. A good and understanding workplace will help you retain the best employees and attract top talent from others.
Conduct Reasonable Suspicion Tests If You Suspect Someone
If one of your employees displays erratic or suspicious behavior, you may seek a Reasonable Suspicion Test which involves the use of proper communication and proper documentation to allow this.
Companies can undergo Reasonable Suspicion Training to understand and execute this process properly.
Signs an employee may be using drugs include a change in personality, secrecy, increased bathroom breaks, challenges socializing with coworkers, and aggression. You should be able to guarantee confidentiality and help them receive assistance in their time of crisis.
Conclusion
A professional workplace requires compliance and discipline, which drug and alcohol tests help employers achieve. Science has shown that cannabis can relieve anxiety, stress, and pain, so it doesn’t surprise that working professionals take such drugs recreationally. These tests can help a company achieve better employee retention and productivity if appropriately enforced, thus guaranteeing success and growth.