One of the questions most businesses ask themselves when considering whether to introduce drug and alcohol testing in their workplace is why. Why conduct workplace drug testing? Why conduct workplace alcohol testing?
There are many ways in which drug and alcohol testing can benefit a workplace, including:
- Productivity and quality. People who are affected by drugs or alcohol are less efficient and effective, and more prone to mistakes.
- Reduced costs – Accidents, injuries and production errors can be costly to a business.
- Reduced turnover – Pre-employment testing can prevent a business from hiring people who have issues with drugs or alcohol.
- Improved absenteeism – A person who has issues with drugs or alcohol is more likely to be absent from work.
- Improved morale – A business that doesn’t deter people from coming to work under the influence of drugs and alcohol is often a business with low morale amongst its workers.
For most businesses, however, the number one reason for introducing workplace drug and alcohol testing is improved health and safety. People who are affected by drugs or alcohol have impaired behaviours and functions, and have been shown to be more likely to have accidents.
So if you’re considering introducing drug and alcohol testing in your workplace, think of it as another way of improving safety and reducing safety risks. Your workers and your bottom-line will be the beneficiaries.
