In New Zealand, alcohol and drugs are major causes of workplace accidents as it can impair conditions and judgments. Because of this, many companies implement policies on employment drug testing. To keep the working environment safe and secure, alcohol and drug testing are conducted. One of the hiring requirements is passing a drug test. This is to minimise work hazards and accidents and to ensure that the workplace is safe, productive, and healthy.

Drug tests are relevant for upholding a safe and productive working environment. They lower the risks of occupational hazards and accidents and protect the organization from reputational damage. In this article, you will know about the importance of employment drug testing and passing the test, and the different methods of drug test available. In addition to that, the ways to reduce the chance of a positive result.

Why Passing Drug Tests for Employment is Important

Alcohol is a depressant drug that can cause the effects of alcohol intoxication. A high Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) may affect your overall mental and physical health. Among other effects of alcohol are cognitive impairment, decreased anxiety, sedation, produces happiness, increased sociability and many more.

As part of the hiring process, drug testing is relevant in order to find the most suitable job applicants. Conducting a drug test on applicants is equally as important as their having excellent credentials and skills. Some industries with high-risk working environments like aviation, transportation, construction, and mining rely on pre-employment drug and alcohol testing to help with hiring decisions.

Employment drug testing is done to analyse the drug use of potential employees. Some employers may require drug testing as part of the hiring process. This is because of the policies they implemented for protection and other valid reasons among the workforce. Passing a drug test is necessary for work roles to require safe operation and quality performance.

Few Instances of Workplace Drug Testing

The following are a few instances in which you should know when you may receive a drug test at work:

• Pre-employment drug testing is when you receive and accept a conditional offer of employment. It is one of the company’s pre-employment requirements.
• Periodic drug testing is when an employer suspects the use of drugs in his employees. Employers may conduct drug screenings as frequently as needed.
• Random drug testing is when the organization implements drug testing spontaneously.
• Post-accident drug testing happens if an employee had an accident at work. The employer may schedule a drug test as per policy within 12 hours.

Passing a Drug Test: Methods

There are several ways or options for employment drug testing. Firstly, a saliva test is a common method of drug testing in workplaces. It involves using an oral swab inside the mouth and testing the contents from the swab. This test detects drugs such as opiates, cocaine, marijuana, and amphetamines. Saliva test results are easy to read and can be available within a few minutes or hours of testing.

Secondly, a urine test involves collecting and analysing a urine sample at a laboratory. This means that employees will provide a sample of their designated facility. Likewise, this method detects substances like cocaine, marijuana, amphetamines, opiates, and alcohol. A common test is called urinalysis which is to check the overall health and diagnose and monitor a medical condition.

Lastly, a hair follicle test involves collecting and testing a few hair strands. This method is a more comprehensive method as it detects substances used in the past 90 days. Since the process is less invasive, this is common in an office or school. Other methods to passing drug tests are breath alcohol, blood tests, and the like.

Benefits of Employment Drug Testing

Having an implementation of an employment drug testing policy has several benefits. Primarily, it increases the security of the employees by having a safe working environment. If no one is using illicit drugs, healthy employees are assured in the workplace. This helps the employees remain focused at work and avoid the risks of injuries and accidents.

Other important benefits include an increase in productivity and quality work, lower insurance expenses, reduced workers’ compensation costs, and lower employee turnover. Having a drug-free working environment will produce a successful business too. In general, the company will be compliant with laws and regulations.

Passing a Drug Test: Reducing the Chance of a Positive Result

Having a positive drug test has a great impact on many people. Most of the cases that happen due to a positive drug test are losing jobs, family, and freedom. Conducting drug tests is to gauge the quality of their employees. Passing a drug test is easy if you follow some of these guidelines. First off, learn what kind of test you will be taking and know how drug tests work. Employees will give you instructions about the test.

Next, they may advise you to abstain from medications and substances that may affect your drug test results for at least 24 hours before the test. Identify what drugs you may have in your system and how long each one remains. Furthermore, it is best advised to abstain from drug usage. You will not worry about testing positive if you are not taking them.

Always remember that cheating on a drug test may be against the law. Detoxifying or flushing agents are not against the law. However, there are various methods that have come to the market that require performing an illegal act which you have to avoid.

Consequence of Failing a Drug Test

Failing a drug test can lead to serious repercussions legally or professionally. In a legal context, those who are working in industries under strict regulations may face legal actions if they fail mandatory drug tests. It can also lead to employment termination. Organizations and companies may choose to end the employee’s contract who fails the drug tests. Moreover, if their behaviours threaten the safety of the workplace or continue to violate the company’s policies.

Overall, this will lead to damage to the reputation. Seeking new job opportunities will have long-term challenges and your professional reputation may be inflicted if you fail a drug test.

Conclusion

In conclusion, passing drug tests are necessary to ensure safety, productivity and compliance with company policies. Most companies require policies on pre-employment drug testing. A drug test is one of the essential parts of many organizations when it comes to hiring decisions. This is to make sure that companies hire the best and most suitable candidates. Most companies also conduct random tests and other kinds of employment drug testing to continuously ensure the safety and well-being of the workers.

Those companies that establish a workplace drug testing policy have significantly lowered substance use and worker impairment. Breathalysers New Zealand offers an extensive selection of alcohol testers suitable for professional use. An ideal device for employment screening would be the SHIELD Express Identity. This unit is convenient to use and efficient. Additionally, the BACtrack breathalysers are suitable and cost-effective in monitoring alcohol consumption in the workplace.