How to Establish a Drug Free Workplace

A drug free workplace is extremely important.

A drug free workplace is extremely important. Drugs and alcohol have no part of a professional workplace. Safety is paramount, whether in the office or at a jobsite. This is particularly important at busy construction zones. In this blog we’ll deliver some basic guidelines for how to create and establish a drug free workplace.

Create a Policy for a Drug Free Workplace

While drug testing should not be mandatory for every employer to implement, having a formal written policy in place should be. Ideally, these formal written policies should be fitted and tailored to the individual company. Having the proper policies in place will allow workers and management to communicate their expectations about the workplace.  Three basic guiding principles should be followed when creating a new policy or updating an old policy for a drug free workplace:

1. Why the policy was established.
2. What is expected of the workers.
3. What possible consequences are for violating the policy.  

When and Who to Drug Test for a Drug Free Workplace

Part of the policy should outline when a drug test should or will occur. Of course, this depends on if your company will implement drug testing. Some of these conditions are:

1. Before employment
2. After an incident
3. During rehab
4. Government-mandated
5. Periodically performed with or without announcement
6. Universal and random  

What Exactly to Drug Test for a Drug Free Workplace

If a drug test is to be implemented, the next step is to decide what to test for. Whether it is only prospective hires or already established employees, employers must outline this critical step in the process. The most basic testing protocol calls for six substances as follows:

1. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) the intoxicating component of marijuana
2. Cocaine
3. Opiates
4. Amphetamines
5. PCP (phencyclidine)
6. Ecstasy

Although these are the basic six substances, employers may also choose to test for other substances beyond these. Alcohol testing is also frequently common as well, since it is legal, easy to access, and the most popular substance to abuse. Drugs and alcohol can also make their user tired, and decide to drive while tired. Without a doubt, this is dangerous for all parties involved.

Prioritizing Safety with G & M Services

G & M Services is proud of our employees and the dedication they have for safety in the workplace. Our employees are also rewarded for positive safety practices. We incorporate weekly and monthly discussions and meetings to ensure that all involved are aware of how to handle equipment and potential situations that could occur during a project.

G & M Services offers services in the way of concrete drilling and sawing, concrete scanning, and FireStop. To get started with G & M Services, call us today at 410-787-8828 or visit our contact page.

Follow the official G & M Services page today on Google+, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.