A drug-free environment is an essential part of a safe and healthy workplace. A safe working environment is free from the dangers of substance abuse and impairments. Unfortunately, drug and alcohol use is widespread across all industries. Employees working under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol may make the workplace more hazardous. Additionally, their co-workers would also feel uneasy with their altered behaviour. As a result, workplaces adopt drug and alcohol programs to manage safety risks effectively. Companies that drug test or alcohol test report significant improvement in productivity and employee morale. An alcohol test through a breathalyser can help make the work environment safer. High-risk industries, like construction companies, use BACtrack workplace breathalysers to conveniently monitor their workers’ Blood Alcohol Content (BAC).

Companies with drug and alcohol programs manage risks by conducting pre-employment, random, post-incident, or reasonable cause testing. Companies that drug test employees are reportedly safer than those that do not. In contrast, persistent drug use has adverse side effects on the health and safety of the workplace. Companies with no drug or alcohol programs have lower productivity, high absenteeism, and turnover rates. If an employer ignores substance usage at work, it can have dire consequences. For example, substance impairment can lead to reduced concentration and coordination, affecting employees’ performance. Most workplace accidents happen because employees continue to work even with reduced capabilities. Therefore, employers need to assess the hazards of the workplace and act accordingly.

Pre-Employment Drug and Alcohol Testing

Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing can determine if a prospective hiree uses illicit substances, abuses prescription medication or is an alcoholic. It can help employers or business owners mitigate risks and hazards to keep employees safe. Hiring the right employee for the job is essential in achieving a business’s goals. In contrast, not detecting a hiree’s medical background can cost the company considerably in the long term. 

Alcohol and substance abuse can increase worker absenteeism and poor productivity. Overall, it drastically affects workplace effectiveness. Additionally, it increases the chances of workplace accidents or fatalities. Employers could end up spending more money to cover hospitalisation fees, accident compensation or other expenses. Or worse, legal issues. Companies that drug test and alcohol test can prevent such costs to occur.

Common drugs to test for:

• Amphetamines – meth, speed, crank, ecstasy
• Cocaine – coke, crack
• Marijuana – cannabinoids, marijuana, hash
• Opiates – heroin, opium, codeine, morphine
• Phencyclidine – PCP, angel dust

It is also vital to integrate a record system that protects employee confidentiality regarding drug and alcohol testing. Additionally, an authorised personnel must be responsible for keeping this record and are aware of confidentiality agreements. Moreover, employees must be made aware of the importance of why companies that drug test and alcohol test do such testing. Therefore, an integrated pre-employment drug and alcohol testing is critical in maintaining a healthy and safe working environment. And consistency will be a vital part of reaping the benefits of increased productivity, improved employee morale, and lower employer expenses.

Advantages for Companies that Drug Test and Alcohol Test

What do companies that drug test and alcohol test benefit? Consistent workplace testing helps deter drug use among employees. It encourages safe and healthy practices in and outside working hours. The benefits can range from savings in healthcare costs and insurance premiums and low liability claims from on-the-site accidents. Additionally, it can provide high outputs, a healthy workforce, and an overall safer community. 

Companies that drug test and alcohol test ensures the business selects a competent worker. Screening to see if an employee can control his substance abuse before hiring them or even during work can help improve overall workplace health and safety, which increases productivity. Having a safe and stable workforce is essential in running a business. Additionally, a healthy work environment can improve overall employee morale and internal relations.

Companies that Drug Test and Alcohol Test: Equipment

Companies that drug test and alcohol test their employees as part of their drug and alcohol policy must have the proper equipment. Firstly, determining the type of test to implement should be the start of the policy.

Types of Test for Drugs and Alcohol Available:

• Urine drug test
• Blood drug test
• Hair drug test
• Breath alcohol test
• Saliva drug screen
• Sweat drug screen

A urine drug test as part of a drug test kit is the most cost-effective and efficient type of testing for drug testing. It is the more common method for drug screening due to it being less intrusive than blood tests. Blood tests require more time to process the results and need an extensive laboratory. Moreover, urine drug tests are more accurate than the other types of testing other than blood tests.

For alcohol testing in the workplace, an alcohol breath test using a breathalyser is the choice. It is even more cost-effective, accurate and reliable than any other testing. Testing has never been easier with devices like the BACtrack workplace breathalysers available at Breathalysers New Zealand.

BACtrack Breathalysers at Breathalysers New Zealand

A BACtrack breathalyser device is an efficient method for monitoring sobriety in the workplace. For example, an employer may request a breath test to determine an employee’s BAC level defined in the policy. Moreover, a zero-tolerance alcohol policy can be implemented, especially for high-risk industries. If an employee is unfit for work, the BACtrack breathalyser shows positive BAC results. Even a minimal BAC level can be considered unsafe and cause accidents or incidents. Likewise, the employer can give out disciplinary actions depending on the guidelines of the alcohol policy. Having a BACtrack workplace breathalyser is vital for companies that drug test and alcohol test. Anyone can operate a breathalyser without needing professional licences. Hence, alcohol breath tests are quick, easy and accurate. It only takes BACtrack devices around 10 to 15 seconds to process BAC results.

Conclusion

Overall, employees feel safer in companies that drug test and alcohol test. Furthermore, workers will perform more efficiently if they feel their health and safety are not compromised. A drug and alcohol program saves the employer from unnecessary expenses, legal problems, or productivity issues. Devices like BACtrack breathalysers, available at Breathalysers New Zealand, can help monitor alcohol consumption. Workers that consume alcohol after work hours are encouraged to drink responsibly. A personal breathalyser can help monitor the BAC level every time you consume alcohol. BACtrack workplace and personal breathalysers use advanced fuel cell sensors to measure the BAC level precisely. Fuel cell sensors are highly accurate and less likely to provide false-positive results. These are also the same sensors you would find in a police officer’s breathalyser. You can find a selection of high-quality police-grade workplace and personal breathalysers at Breathalysers New Zealand.