Building Safer Workspaces: Monitoring Signs of Drug Use at Work

 

In today's fast-paced work environments, maintaining a safe and productive workspace is a top priority for employers. Understanding and identifying the signs of drug use at work is crucial, not just for the safety of the individual involved but for the entire team and the overall health of the company.

Why Employers Need to Watch for Drug Use at Work

Substance abuse in the workplace can lead to reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher risks of accidents. It can also foster a negative work environment, affecting morale and employee well-being. Unfortunately, there are various reasons why employees might show up to work intoxicated, which can range from personal issues to workplace culture.

• Stress and Pressure: High-stress jobs can push employees to use substances as a coping mechanism to manage work-related pressure, anxiety, or depression.
• Addiction Issues: Employees suffering from addiction may find it difficult to control their substance use, leading to intoxication during work hours.
• Lack of Awareness: Some employees might not fully understand the impact of their substance use, especially if they consume drugs or alcohol shortly before or during work hours, underestimating how long the effects last.
• Social Influence: Workplace cultures that tolerate or even encourage drug use or drinking may mean that employees feel it's acceptable to be intoxicated at work.
• Personal Problems: Issues like relationship troubles, financial stress, or family responsibilities can lead to increased substance use as a form of self-medication.
• Inadequate Policies: If a company lacks a clear substance abuse policy or if the policy is not enforced consistently, employees might feel they can use substances without significant repercussions.
• Accessibility: Easy access to drugs or alcohol, whether through workplace social events or proximity to places where substances are available during work hours, can also contribute to usage.

Industries Where Sobriety Is Especially Important

Certain industries, such as transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, and construction, demand high levels of alertness and precision. In these fields, the impairment caused by drug use can result in serious safety hazards, not only to the user but to colleagues and the general public. Maintaining strict sobriety standards is not just regulatory in these sectors — it's a critical component of operational safety.

Signs of Drug Use Among Staff

Recognizing drug use in the workplace is crucial for maintaining safety, productivity, and a healthy work environment. As such, both employers and coworkers should be aware of the various signs and symptoms that could indicate someone is under the influence of drugs.

Physical Signs

Physical symptoms of drug use can include sudden changes in weight, poor personal hygiene, dilated or constricted pupils, bloodshot or watery eyes, unusual body odors, and impaired coordination — for instance, clumsiness, trembling hands, or difficulty walking. 

Behavioral Signs

Behavioral changes can signal drug use at work. These might include decreased productivity and work performance, attendance issues like frequent tardiness or unexpected absences, secretive actions, irritability and mood swings, and social withdrawal from work peers are also indicative of possible drug use. 

Cognitive Signs

Cognitive issues can also suggest drug impairment. Keep an eye on workers who display difficulty with memory or concentration, poor decision-making, and disorientation at work.

What to Do If You Suspect Drug Use at Work

If you suspect an employee is using drugs at work, proceed with caution to protect workplace safety without infringing on workers’ rights.

1. Documentation: Record specific instances of suspicious behavior or other signs. This documentation can be useful in discussions with the employee or HR.
2. Follow Policy: Ensure all actions align with the company’s established substance abuse policy, which should outline the steps for handling suspected drug use.
3. Approach Carefully: When discussing your concerns with the employee, be respectful, maintain their privacy, and focus on observed behavior rather than accusing them of drug use.
4. Offer Support: Provide resources for counseling or drug treatment programs if available. Many companies have Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that offer such services.
5. Maintain Safety and Compliance: Always comply with legal standards and protect the safety of all employees.

Does Your Business Need to Institute Drug Testing?

Implementing a drug testing program depends on several factors, including the nature of the industry, federal drug testing guidelines, state laws, and the particular circumstances of your enterprise. In industries where safety is paramount, drug testing can be a necessary tool to ensure that all team members can perform their duties safely and effectively.

Putting Together a Workplace Drug Testing Program

Developing a drug testing program requires careful planning to ensure it’s legal, ethical, and respectful of privacy.

• Define the Scope: Decide what substances will be tested for and when tests will be administered (e.g., pre-employment, random testing, after accidents).
• Choose the Right Testing Methods: Consider the accuracy, cost, and invasiveness of different testing methods, such as urine, hair, or saliva tests. Prioritize working with reputable drug testing partners to ensure reliable, accurate results.
• Communicate Policies Clearly: Ensure all employees understand the drug testing policy, the rationale behind it, and the consequences of failing a test.

What to Do If an Employee Fails a Drug Test

A positive test result should be handled with sensitivity but also with firm adherence to the company’s policies. Ideally, your response should involve a multi-pronged response.

1. Confirmation Test: Always confirm positive results with a secondary test to rule out any false positives.
2. Counseling and Support: Offer support and resources for rehabilitation. Consider allowing the employee to return to work after completing a treatment program, depending on the circumstances.
3. Disciplinary Actions: Enforce disciplinary measures consistently across the organization. These might range from suspension to termination, depending on the company policy and the nature of the offense.

Monitor Signs of Drug Use at Work with Countrywide Testing

Monitoring for signs of drug use is essential for building a safer, more productive workplace. By taking proactive steps to address drug use, employers can protect their workforce and ensure their business remains a healthy and secure environment for everyone. For many employers, this can and should include implementing a comprehensive drug testing program. Whether you’re interested in on-site testing or more intensive, lab-tested results, Countrywide Testing has drug testing services to suit your needs.

Countrywide offers various drug testing products for workplace testing, healthcare emergencies, law enforcement purposes, and individuals trying to stay clean after rehab. Our on-site drug testing kits are convenient and affordable and ship to you quickly. Plus, our lab is accredited by SAMHSA, so you can rest assured that your test results are handled according to the highest industry standards.

Want more information on how Countrywide can support your workplace drug testing program? Just contact our team today.