Drug/alcohol testing in the workplace: what are the arguments for and against?
The arguments for drug testing at work are that there are benefits for safety, efficiency, an organisation’s reputation and employee welfare. The arguments against drug testing are that it has not been clearly shown to be beneficial, it invades people’s privacy and it may damage relations between employers and staff. The research so far has not provided clear-cut answers to these arguments and different decisions about whether it is necessary, appropriate and legal will be made in different workplaces. Drug/alcohol testing should not be imposed on a workforce; it is important that both employers and employees are involved in the introduction of any policies and testing regimes.
