Congratulations on your dream job hunt! You are all prepared, but there is one thing you need to understand – employee drug testing policy. It is not a glitzy subject, but as an employee, you need to know your rights and thoroughly understand drug testing policy. Employers implement the policy to keep the workplace safe and productive.
Substance abuse is risky not just for the user but also for everyone around working as a team. DrugTestKitUSA is an online supplier providing many industries with rapid drug testing kit. Their drug testing devices are FDA-cleared and CLIA-waived.
What exactly is employee drug testing?
Your current or potential boss wants to ensure you do not show up at work high or hung over. Drugs can affect your work, performance, safety, and overall judgment. It is a safety net for you and the company. You can hurt yourself or a colleague if you are high on the job. Your boss wants to ensure everyone shows up to work prepared to be productive.
When do employers hit you with a drug test?
When it comes to drug tests, there are a few common scenarios:
- Pre-employment: You will probably get tested after you have accepted the job and before you start working.
- Random testing: Employees are randomly selected for testing. It is like a surprise quiz, not with words but with your pee. It is common in high-risk industries like construction or transportation.
- For-cause testing: When your employer suspects you may be under the influence, this dreaded drug test happens. Usually, it is based on erratic behavior, accidents, or decreased productivity.
How do they do it?
The most common type of drug test is a urine test, which seems like the classic ‘pee in a cup’ scenario. They check for things like weeds, cocaine, and opioids. There is also the saliva test, used to detect more recent use, while the hair follicle tests can identify drug use over a more extended period. Blood tests are usually reserved for more specific situations due to their high cost and invasive nature.
Employees are notified in advance for pre-employment or periodic testing. For random and reasonable suspicion testing, the notification can be immediate. Samples are collected, and to ensure integrity, they are sealed and documented. The sample is then sent to a certified lab for analysis. Now, there is another thing….drug tests are not perfect. They can even give false positives, which means you could test positive even if you haven’t used drugs.
Once the results are in, the employer reviews them. If the results are positive [or false positive], the employees are usually informed and given a chance to explain. There may even be a follow-up test to confirm the results.
People try to cheat drug test, but honestly it is not worth it. If you get caught, things can get way worse than just failing the test. Your job is on the line…. So, drug testing is a thing you got to handle with in workplaces. Whether you feel it is fair or not, it is best to know the ins and outs of employee drug testing policy.
