Alcohol and drugs can cause many problems. They affect not only the people misusing substances but also those around them. For instance, it can affect the workplace due to unproductivity. Companies can lose money because of this. Hence, many are now organising testing for their employees. They usually avail of 24/7 onsite drug and alcohol testing for convenience. Some of the most common services are pre-employment and post-accident testing.

Regular use of alcohol and drugs can impair the ability of a person to function properly. An accident in the workplace that involves substances has serious consequences. There is a need for testing because the impact on the business can be grave. Onsite testing facilities make it easier for people. To learn more about them, the following sections will present their common services, such as pre-employment, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing.

24/7 Onsite Drug and Alcohol Testing: Pre-employment

One of the services of 24/7 onsite drug and alcohol testing is pre-employment testing. Employers require their future staff to go through a test before hiring them. If the results show recent use of alcohol or drugs, it can affect their employment. This is because businesses see it as concerning. Moreover, the applicants are seen as not fit for the company culture.

Furthermore, some industries have zero-tolerance policies. For instance, construction and aviation industries have the policy because there are higher risks of accidents. Passengers of planes with an intoxicated pilot can be in great danger. Thus, candidates who have substances in their system will automatically not be offered the position.

In addition, employers must notify the applicants about the test. The process begins with the candidates going to the specified facility. Qualified collectors then conduct the procedure. The type of test they use is dependent on what the companies want. Moreover, it should align with the policies and guidelines set in their workplaces. The facilities typically produce the results after 24 hours.

Types of Test

Testing facilities offer various types of tests for alcohol and drugs. Here are some of them:

• Urine – Collecting of samples is through the use of a container. There should be no contact with any part of the body.
• Blood – Due to the nature of the test, technicians usually ask for consent before the test. However, depending on the severity of the case, they can face consequences for not consenting.
• Saliva – They take a sample by swabbing the insides of the cheeks. It is good for detecting recent use.
• Breath – The way it works is by using a handheld device, which is a breathalyser.

24/7 Onsite Drug and Alcohol Testing: Post-incident

Another service from 24/7 onsite drug and alcohol testing is post-incident tests. This happens when a worker is involved in an accident while working. The purpose of this test is to investigate the factors involving the accident. All-day onsite tests are advantageous because some company policies require them to be tested only hours after the incident.

Employees from the railway industry, for example, should be free from alcohol and drugs when they carry out their tasks. Thus, if there is an accident, employers must know if they are under the influence to take appropriate measures. However, management should ensure that everyone is aware of the policy. Refreshers about it are recommended.

Initially, the staff will be taken off work to get a test. The process is the same as collectors will take or receive their samples. The duration of the test is fast. However, a confirmation test may be necessary, making the release of the final result longer than normal. Nevertheless, it is not a common occurrence to experience it.

Benefits

Having onsite testing facilities that operate all day has several benefits. Firstly, it provides safety. There are fewer risks of accidents and injuries. As for those who got into workplace incidents, it is helpful for them, especially if they did not drink alcohol or take drugs. They can keep their reputation safe.

Secondly, it helps businesses. There will be reduced liabilities for them as they implement proper policies. They can immediately take a suspected employee to testing as long as it is reasonable. Lastly, it creates convenience. Employers can trust the facilities to do the work. The scheduling also can be accommodating to them.

24/7 Onsite Drug and Alcohol Testing: Suspicion of Employees Being Under the Influence

Suspicion of employees being under the influence is one more service a 24/7 onsite drug and alcohol testing offers. The suspicion must be reasonable. It is when there are indicators of impairment, like when an employee is not behaving normally. There can be trained professionals in the workplace to initially assess the capability of an employee to work.

Asking or requiring a worker to test for alcohol and drugs can be a sensitive topic. Hence, the management should have clear guidelines surrounding the process. Moreover, the guidelines must be fair and objective. Otherwise, they may be liable instead for putting an employee in that position as reputation can be at stake.

If a colleague notices another employee showing signs of being under the influence of substances, he or she can notify a manager about it. Afterwards, the management should speak to the suspected staff about the concern in a non-judgemental tone. Once they consider all factors, they can require the employee to take a supervised test in an onsite testing facility.

Substance Abuse Preventions

Employees who are on the verge of substance abuse can prevent it by certain factors. Those who misuse drugs can seek professional help. The chemicals can affect the brain. Hence, they must take care of their mental health by talking to reliable people. This is especially true as withdrawals are difficult to go through.

Acquiring a personal breathalyser is another preventive measure. The device can help them manage their alcohol intake. They must stay within a certain level. Otherwise, they can choose to stop drinking. It is also beneficial in staying safe and avoiding drink driving. There are strict laws when it comes to it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 24/7 onsite drug and alcohol testing is beneficial as it keeps everyone in the workplace safe. Anyone who misuses alcohol and drugs tends to act inappropriately. It can cause a tense work environment, leading to the unproductivity of everyone. This is why it is important to avail of services such as pre-employment, post-incident, and reasonable suspicion testing. Employers need to take measures to protect the business overall.

Industries and companies that have zero-tolerance policies regarding the use of substances can find the services even more helpful. It allows them to know who can be a liability even before hiring them. However, every company needs to ensure that there is policy awareness among the employees to avoid problems. They can also encourage them to prevent abuse by using devices such as breath testers to further enhance the security of all.