There are several reasons why drug testing is essential in the pre-employment process. In addition to its cost-effectiveness, it can protect an employer from substance abusers. In addition, it provides an option to rescind an offer if necessary.
Reasonable suspicion drug testing
What are the reasons for drug testing? Reasonable suspicion drug testing in pre-employment is essential to ensuring a drug-free workplace. While the rules for affordable suspicion testing may differ from industry to industry, the basic principles are the same. First, an employer must train supervisors to perform a reasonable suspicion test. Supervisors should understand the proper procedure of how to drug test employees and drug testing and how to interpret an employee’s response to a test. This training should be conducted by federal regulations and renewed every twelve to eighteen months.
Reasonable suspicion testing is used when the supervisor has evidence that an employee has been using illicit substances. This can include physical evidence, erratic or abnormal behavior, and disorientation or confusion. It can also be triggered by the reports of another employee or supervisor.
Cost-effectiveness
Drug testing in the pre-employment process is standard in many companies and industries. It can help prevent on-the-job injuries and accidents by minimizing the risks associated with drug use. Many employers also use drug testing to reduce absenteeism and raise morale in the workplace. Additionally, it can save employers money on workers’ compensation insurance.
This study provides an economic analysis of the costs and benefits of pre-employment drug screening. It also assesses the sensitivity of the investigation. Researchers found that drug testing can reduce turnover, lower absenteeism, and reduce worker’s compensation claims while improving employee performance.
The costs of substance abuse in the workplace are substantial. In 2011, the number of workers’ compensation claims caused by drug abuse exceeded motor vehicle deaths. In addition, employees using drugs in the workplace are more likely to cause accidents and injuries, which can cost employers financially. Additionally, drug testing during pre-employment can help limit employee turnover. It can also identify applicants who are more likely to miss work or raise insurance premiums.
Protects employers from substance abusers
Substance abuse can be a severe health problem for employees and can negatively affect the job. Its harmful effects are impaired decision-making and physical ability, leading to severe accidents and injuries. Additionally, substance abuse can be fatal, with 10 to 20 percent of workers who die on the job being found to be using drugs. Besides the risks to workers, hiring substance abusers can also cost employers money. Workers suffering from substance abuse often file compensation claims, which can be costly. Fortunately, substance abusers are usually easily identifiable, making it easy to recognize warning signs. However, they may not fully understand the costs associated with substance abuse.
Ability to rescind an offer
A worker can rescind an offer of employment if they decide that the drug testing process is too intrusive. There are various reasons, some of which are out of their control, while others are conscious decisions. The key is to rescind the offer in a way that protects the rights of both the employee and the employer.
Whether you can rescind a pre-employment drug test offer depends on the type of drug test. For example, an employee who tests positive for marijuana may be able to pursue common law claims against the employer. In these cases, there may be a breach of contract or promissory estoppel.
False-negative prediction errors
False-negative predictions are shared in pre-employment drug testing. The rate of false positives varies according to the type of drug being tested. For example, a urine test for amphetamines can result in false positives if the individual has been taking a nasal decongestant or poppy seed. Additionally, certain medications like antibiotics and pain relievers can result in false positives. False-negative results should be disclosed to prospective employees.
Changing the sample size can help eliminate false negatives. The resulting sample size must be such that fifty percent of individuals are users of the tested substance. This means that most effective drug testing programs will avoid testing the general population and focus on people who abuse drugs.
