According to the Department of Labor, if you have a substance abuser on your payroll, you could be losing $7,000 to $15,000 per year! How can that number be so high? Substance abusers are said to have lower productivity, take more sick days, report more health insurance claims and have more accidents. In fact, 47% of serious workplace accidents and 40% of fatal workplace accidents have drug and/or alcohol involvement (Occupational Medicine).  Below are the top 5 Reasons why your company should adopt a Drug Testing Program.

 
#1 Overall Safety

Of the 16.6 million reported illicit drug users 2002, 74.6% were employed either full or part time.  Employee Drug Testing is proven to increase health and safety standards in the workplace. Drug users are less likely to work for an employer who has a Drug Testing Policy.  Employers who randomly test employees for drug or alcohol use identify concerns prior to illness or injury.  Drug use, in or outside of the workplace, increases risks to the employee, co-workers and the employer. 

#2 Employee Performance & Productivity

A 2000 SAMHSA study revealed that 5.7% of illicit drug users had missed work for more than two days in the past month due to illness or injury and in addition 11.6% had skipped work more than two days in the past month. A drug testing policy ensures higher quality of work by simply eliminating or decreasing the number of employees abusing drugs.  Reduced absenteeism for illness or injury means increased productivity. 

#3 Reduced BWC & Insurance Costs

By adopting a Drug Free Workplace (DFW) policy your company can save 3-7% off Workers Compensation premiums. And because illicit drug users use your health benefits three times more often than that of your other employees not abusing drugs, most insurance providers will recognize a DFW Policy when negotiating coverage and premiums for employees.     

#4 Reduced Turnover & Recruitment Costs

A study by the DHHS found that 29.1% of workers with past illicit drug use reported that they would be less likely to work for employers who conduct drug testing randomly.  Pre-employment drug testing lessens the risk of hiring an employee that may later cause injury or illness to themselves or other employees.  It will also reduce the time and cost of ultimately having to fire or replace the abusing employee and recruit and train a new employee.  

#5 Increased Employee Morale

According to a study by the SAMHSA, 46% of full-time workers would be more likely to work for an employer who drug tests before hiring, and an additional 49% reported that pre-hire testing would not influence their decision to work for an employer.  Employees recognize that drug use effects productivity.  They know that employers who conduct pre-hire and/or random testing produce safer and more harmonious work environments.  

Statistics from Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), Department of Health and Human Services and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

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