Prescription Drug Abuse in the Workplace

Workplace Drug Abuse

Employee drug testing is an important part of the employment background check process as well as random testing throughout employees' tenure. Generally, drug screening tests are only searching for illegal substances, but it has come to public light that prescription drug abuse has become a familiar problem in the workplace.

The Workers Compensation Research Institute conducted a study in 2014 and concluded that 65% - 85% of employees injured in the workplace have received narcotic pain killers as a part of their treatment. Prescribed narcotic painkillers such as opioids can lead to addiction and affect an employee's performance that can also lead to workplace accidents. In the long run that can lead to increased compensation costs for employers.

Employee drug testing as mentioned above does not generally test for opioids and other prescription medications and due to the increased risk of prescription addiction and abuse in the workplace, it is recommended for employers to expand their employee drug testing procedures. According to a study by the National Safety Council, 23% of American workers have used prescription drugs for non-medical purposes.

Situations during which employees that need to be on "extra alert" such as when driving, in factory settings, working in refineries and much more makes it even more essential to expand employee drug testing. Therefore, employee drug testing can be a helpful tool, not only for human resource managers, but also safety managers wanting to comply with OSHA rules & to maintain the amount of working hours without a workplace injury.

Different states have different regulations when it comes to employee drug testing & companies need to make sure that they comply with local, state and federal laws. AAA Credit Screening Services uses companies in your area and will assist customers with the process of achieving a Drug-Free Workplace.

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