The reasons behind employee drug testing?

All relationships depend on trust. Through participating in recreational drug use while at work or coming into work under the influence of drugs and alcohol is regarded by most as breaking the trust between an employer and employee. Drug abuse is one of the most common reasons why random employee drug testing is being introduced into workplaces across the UK.

Drug abuse is a common problem in UK businesses and contributes to organisations losing thousands of pounds each year through lost time, sickness, injury, theft, abuse and damage.

When there is an understand that drug and alcohol abuse is effecting the performance of a business or has contributed to any forms of theft, damage or work place harassment then it’s common for an employee drug test to be conducted to identify the employees breaking the rules and punish them accordingly.

Employers are required to give any applicants or employees written notice of drug testing that may take place within the duration of their employment. Many employers now have written clauses within the employees contract stating mandatory drug tests will be conducted when required by the employer. The same notice is also advised to mention specific non-prescription medications that may yield a positive result in the testing process.

Employee Drug Testing must also be done correctly and may involve hair analysis, blood analysis, saliva and sweat analysis, urine analysis, or blood analysis.

Many industries require employee drug testing as part of their health and safety policy and to satisfy accreditations and licenses. For example employee drug testing is compulsory for employees when working on railway lines.
If you require further information on employee drug testing, employee screening, employee blood alcohol testing or any other form of drug testing please visit Forensic Resources Ltd the UK’s leading employee drug and alcohol testing service.