What every Employer Should Know about Drug Testing in the Workplace ?
American business has a drug problem. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than 8 million Americans use some type of illegal substance. As many as 77 % of all illicit drug users in this country are employed. Drug abuse is on the rise, placing American businesses at enormous risk- financially, legally, and ethically. In fact, drug use in the workplace costs employers nearly $81 billion a year in lost prooductivity, and poses a devastating threat to the very integrity and stability of an employer’s business. Only 5% of companies do NOT test their employees. Less than 15% of employers have a partial drug program implemented. Over 80% of companies require drug testing of their employees. Companies understand that substance abuse costs 165 billion annually in loss of productivity, theft, accidents, absenteeism, increased workers’ compensation and healthcare. It screens employees for substance abuse, and identifies employees who may need treatment. This results in financial saving
