NCJ Number
146300
Journal
Security Management Volume: 37 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1993) Pages: 22- 26
Date Published
1993
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Because a workplace drug testing program can cause negative feelings among employees and generate legal entanglements, such a program should be designed in a positive way.
Abstract
Developed and implemented properly, an employee drug testing program can reduce various workplace problems, such as absenteeism and theft. Managers should collect intelligence on the extent of the drug problem in an organization, and this can be accomplished at least in part through an employee input survey. The survey should contain integrity and drug abuse indicators, general questions about theft and drug abuse in the workplace, customized questions about the company, and a section for employee comments. A company's human resources office should have information about rates of absenteeism, accidents, worker compensation claims, and referrals to drug abuse programs. Employees should be notified of collected information on drug abuse problems via a newsletter, memo, flyer, or other means. An effort should be made to eliminate negative attitudes toward drug testing and to help employees realize that the goal of drug testing is to improve productivity, safety, and morale. Employees should be well-informed before a drug testing program is implemented, and a company should select a testing laboratory certified by the National Institute of Drug Awareness. A chain of custody and appropriate test storage procedures should be established for every person involved in collecting and monitoring urine samples.