Why are drug tests and health assessments being required for new full-time administrative and staff employees? What is included in the health assessment?
Statistics show that drug abusers annually cost employers about eight (8) times more for medical and prescription claims than non-drug abusers. Temple’s health insurance premiums are impacted by our yearly costs/experience. Since employees pay approximately 20% of the cost of health insurance, increases in Temple’s health insurance premiums due to the increased claims by drug abusers affect how much each employee ultimately pays for health coverage. In addition, research has shown that drug abusers have higher attendance problems, more performance problems, and more accidents than non-drug abusers. Temple is committed to providing a safe working environment to its student and employee population. In general, the health assessment currently includes a health history and a blood pressure, heart, vision, and hearing check. HR is working with Occupational Health to determine whether the health assessment can be expanded to assist new hires with preventive care.
