NCJ Number
161688
Journal
Journal of the American Medical Association Volume: 264 Issue: 20 Dated: (November 28, 1990) Pages: 2639-2643
Date Published
1990
Length
5 pages
Annotation
A prospective, controlled study examined the relationship between preemployment drug testing results and employment outcomes in 2,537 postal employees.
Abstract
Results revealed that for identified marijuana users, the relative risk for turnover was 1.56; accidents, 1.55; injuries, 1.85; and discipline, 1.55. Their average absence rate was 7.1 percent, compared with 4 percent for nonusers. For identified cocaine users, the relative risk for turnover was 1.15; accidents, 1.59; injuries, 1.85; and discipline, 1.40. Their mean absence rate was 9.8 percent. Findings indicated that a preemployment drug screen that is positive for marijuana or cocaine is associated with adverse employment outcomes. However, the level of risk is much less than previously estimated. These findings could be used to reevaluate the estimates of the costs of drug abuse to industry and the cost-effectiveness of preemployment drug screening. They may also have implications regarding the usefulness of corporate employee assistance programs. The findings should also provide an empirical background for discussions of the complex ethical, legal, economic, social, and political issues related to preemployment drug screening. Tables and 19 references (Author abstract modified)