Drug Testing After an Accident for a Drug-free Workplace
Workplace safety is paramount and establishing a completely drug-free workplace is essential to the continued safety and productivity of the business.
It’s true that some people who struggle with substance-abuse problems and addiction issues are able to maintain steady employment. This can sometimes become a complicated situation for employers to navigate, especially if the suspected employee is generally reliable and has worked there for some time. However, workplace safety is paramount and establishing a completely drug-free workplace is essential to the continued safety and productivity of the business. It’s a complex circumstance that must be handled with the law in mind and with proper discretion.
Workplace Impact
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has implemented some new rules pertaining to workplace injuries and reporting them to employers. While it allows the continued practice of drug testing employees, it prohibits an employer from requesting a drug test as a form of retaliation for the injury or accident report. If your company has a policy in place that requires drug testing after an accident, injury, or illness then you must have a reasonable case for requesting the test. Also, more importantly, employees should know that they can report these incidences without the fear of retaliation in any way. Records of these events must be kept on file and promptly submitted to OSHA.
Workplace Policies
If you currently do not have a drug policy in place for your workplace, but you plan on implementing one, the first step is to inform your employees of your plans. Making it clear in your policy that you intend to test employees after accidents will eliminate any confusion or the sense that the testing is being done as a reprimand. Having this type of policy in place can also help avoid accidents because it shows your employees the type of atmosphere and work ethic that you expect them to operate under; even so, if you suspect that there are employees dealing with substance abuse or addiction, you must document these behaviors and incidences to properly address these concerns. Be sure that the policy is specific and clearly defines circumstances that would warrant additional drug testing.
Prioritizing a Drug-Free Workplace 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.
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