Drug and alcohol screening is essential for keeping the workplace safe and healthy. Alcohol use is one of the leading causes of workplace accidents in Australia every year. Fortunately, alcohol-related incidents are preventable through an effective workplace program. Therefore, many companies adopt a drug and alcohol policy to minimise hazards and reduce costs. Through robust programs, a business can maintain a safe and healthy environment. As such, establishing a pre employment drug test for alcohol can effectively keep the workplace secure. The right people can be a great asset towards achieving company goals, while hiring the wrong ones can set you back.
The employment process is critical to finding suitable candidates for a job. Through interviews and background checks, the employer can know if the applicant is the right fit for the company. However, aside from credentials and skills, the person’s alcohol or drug history is equally important. Particularly, regulated industries like transportation or mining rely on a pre employment drug test for alcohol to help in hiring decisions. Through a pre employment test, you can determine if the person has a substance usage problem that may compromise workplace safety. In addition, an alcohol breath test through a breathalyser can determine recent alcohol use. Breathalysers Australia provides reliable alcohol breath tests to many industries and individuals through the BACtrack alcohol testers.
Alcohol and its Impact on Work
Alcohol intoxication has no place in safety-critical industries. A high blood alcohol content (BAC) leads to severe impairment in a person’s senses and motor functions. In particular, high alcohol concentration affects vision, reasoning, reflexes, coordination, and balance. For example, jobs involving operating machinery or driving rely on mental and physical alertness to perform the tasks effectively. Prevailing substance use negatively impacts health, safety, productivity, attendance, and professional relationships. A pre employment drug test for alcohol is a testing policy required by many companies as part of the application process. The test results can determine if the application is successful or not. In addition, alcohol and drug testing show that the company takes safety seriously to protect the well-being of everyone.
Pre Employment Drug Test: The Need to Know
A pre employment drug test for alcohol is often a part of a workplace policy. A workplace policy also includes random or scheduled tests, post-incident or near-miss, and reasonable suspicion testing. However, before a company can test for drugs and alcohol, they must state that it is part of hiring. In addition, job applicants must be aware that they will need to undergo a pre employment drug and alcohol test. In addition, prospective employees must understand and agree that workplace testing is part of their employment agreement. When implemented correctly, a pre employment tests serve the following benefits:
- Reduce accidents
- Decrease downtime and absenteeism
- Reduce cost and revenue loss
- Improve productivity
- Foster a healthy work environment and relationships
- Comply with state and federal laws
Kinds of Pre Employment Tests
A pre employment drug test for alcohol and drugs can help identify job applicants’ history of substance use. In addition, a worker misusing illicit substances can compromise safety and affect other employees. The employer may request a testing agency to facilitate screening for drugs and alcohol. In particular, a breath test using a breathalyser detects alcohol presence in the blood. Breathalysers utilise sensor technology to analyse alcohol in the breath sample and estimate the BAC. Meanwhile, a sample test through urine, blood, and saliva screens for drug use. Most companies use the standard 5-panel drug test that includes screening for marijuana, PCP, cocaine, opiates, and amphetamines. The testing agency may use any of the following methods to identify alcohol and drug use:
- Urinalysis – A urine test can show traces of drug use even after the effects have worn off.
- Hair Testing – Hair follicle tests have a longer detection window. It can detect past drug usage up to 90 days. It is essential if you want to identify drug use history.
- Oral Fluids – Oral fluid tests identify recent drug use and have a detection window of up to three days. The employee gives an oral fluid sample through a swab inside the mouth.
- Blood Testing – Blood tests are the most accurate test, but it is also the most invasive. A blood test can be used to confirm if the initial tests show positive results.
Pre Employment Breath Test for Alcohol
An alcohol breath test is the most cost-efficient method to screen for alcohol. A breathalyser device captures the exhaled breath through the mouthpiece and analyses the sample through the sensors. In particular, the pre employment drug test for alcohol use a breathalyser with fuel cell sensors to measure the BAC level accurately. Fuel cell sensors are known to deliver accurate and consistent results. They work by oxidising alcohol in the breath to produce small electrical currents. The number of electrical currents generated is proportional to the alcohol concentration in the breath or blood. In addition, fuel cell breathalysers are specific to ethanol and are not reactive with other substances like acetone. Therefore, they are least likely to produce false-positive results.
The BACtrack breathalysers from Breathalysers Australia provide reliable alcohol breath tests to many companies and individuals nationwide. In particular, the professional BACtrack breathalysers use Xtend fuel cell sensors which give unparalleled precision with every BAC test. For example, the BACtrack S80 Pro and Mobile Pro has advanced features including continuous temperature checking to ensure breath sample consistency. Additionally, the linear response of the fuel cell sensors can trace over a complete range of alcohol concentrations in the breath. Thus, they are ideal for a pre employment drug test for alcohol because they can detect low to high BAC ranges.
What happens after a Pre Employment Test
A successful application depends on the passing of the pre employment drug test for alcohol. The employer can offer the job if the applicant has clear or negative results. On the other hand, the candidate may be ineligible if the test results are positive. However, as an applicant, you have the right to question the validity of the results. In addition, there are certain factors that can influence the drug or alcohol test. For instance, prescription medications can influence the test results. If this happens, inform the testing agency or medical review officer. In some cases, applicants may retake the test but at their own expense.
For companies, conducting a pre employment drug test for alcohol is vital in maintaining workplace safety. It also helps mitigate any risks associated with drug misuse and excessive alcohol consumption. Therefore, a reliable device is essential in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the test. The BACtrack breathalysers go through a rigorous quality control process to ascertain the precise BAC readings. In particular, the workplace BACtrack breathalysers maintains consistency and are suitable for high-volume use. You may also avail of the BACtrack’s pro-grade accuracy for personal use. Visit Breathalysers Australia online for a comprehensive selection of BACtrack alcohol testers.
