Drug use and abuse in the workplace have been a costly problem for companies in the United States for years and employers have been addressing this concern in different ways, including drug testing prior to employment and randomly. However, this method has remained a controversial issue between two groups, the proponents and opponents of the testing. While others have no qualms about this practice, there are those who say it is a violation of the Fourth Amendment. Here are some views gathered from both parties.
List of Pros of Drug Testing in the Workplace
1. It keeps the workplace and the workers safe.
Proponents of drug testing in the workplace argue that some drugs can affect a person’s affect and behavior. Employers have the right to keep other employees safe from violence and incidents that might be related to drug use.
2. It reduces the risk of work liability litigation.
Supporters claim that drug use does not only result to absenteeism and less productivity, it can also pose an increased risk in accidents at work, particularly if workers are required to operate heavy machinery, drive trucks and fly airplanes. They say that with these tests, an employee who might be under the influence will be spared from causing injury to himself and other people. This will also reduce the possibility of the company having to face legal problems resulting from workplace injuries as well as pay high insurance premiums.
List of Cons of Drug Testing in the Workplace
1. It is unjust and unnecessary.
Critics say that not all people will feel comfortable taking a drug test at the workplace especially if they are not using drugs. Members of the staff who do take drugs might not already approve of random drug testing and some of those who have nothing to hide might resent the process as well, regarding it to be an invasion of privacy and perhaps, insulting.
2. It is unreliable.
An argument by opponents of drug testing is its efficacy as a tool of assessing if a particular employee has taken illegal drugs on the day of the test since results will cover several days at least. If this is the case, a positive result might surface even if the individual has used drugs on a Saturday, which is not a working day and whatever the employee does outside the office is not the company’s business, so to speak. They also added that if a candidate from employment is indeed taking drugs, all he or she needs to do is not to use prohibited drugs few days prior to submitting urine sample.
3. It is expensive.
Another issue raised by people against drug testing is the high cost of doing tests on employees especially if the company has a large number of workers. A single test may cost less than $10 to over $70 but if it is multiplied by hundreds, it will be an unnecessary expense for the business.
Conclusion
It is true that drug testing especially random ones can deter employees from using drugs but there can also be false results rendering the procedure somewhat ineffective. Both supporters and critics have valid arguments, though. An employer has the right to protect the business and employees. Workers, on the other hand, have the option to refuse drug testing in the workplace. If the company deems it necessary to require the entire staff for drug tests, it is but logical to conduct such in a fair and just manner.