Drug-Free Workplace Campaign - Essay Example

Drug-free Workplace Campaign Drug related crimes and problems have been d in incidences and problems in the work place. Economic costs to employers and businesses because of low productivity, accidents, and employees attitude to work are some causes attributed to drug use. Employers found a relief from this problem by following the mandate of the law in creating a drug-free workplace. Since its implementation, what have been its effects to the employees and business today?1. Impact of drug testing in hiring process Drug testing is one of the requirements in the hiring process of employment ever since drug testing has been legalized in 1980s.

Through this mandate, the government has enjoined employers to enforce the drug laws and require employees to take the drug test. The government has also required its own work force, contractors and transport utilities to undergo the same. The 1977 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (no latest data available) showed that 47% of respondents said their employers comply with drug testing. This report showed as many as 50 million drug tests are performed every year in the US, generating revenue of $1.5 billion.2.

Impact of drug testing in the workplace Several companies have credited drug-free workplace as a savings in its economic sense, although direct benefit relations cannot be arrived at. For instance, elaws, in 2008 report, noted that after implementing a drug-free workplace, Warner Corp. a small plumbing company in Washington, has saved $485,000 in one year. The company has attributed this savings from a decrease number of accidents in the workplace resulting to lower vehicle insurance premium and lower worker’s compensation cost.

The drug-free atmosphere in the company has also attracted applicants and apprentices that has given the company additional savings. Employers who ascribed to this policy noticed a remarkable efficiency increase in the workplace. The US Dept. of Labor said that according to the American Management Association, that as a result of increased awareness on drug testing, human resource managers have assessed perceived effectiveness from “50 percent in 1987 to 90 percent in 1996”. Jacob Sultum, in a 2002 report, said that back in the 1990s when the news about the epidemic of drug abuse on America came out, employers became scared and started considering drug testing.

They do not want some crazy people in the company doing catastrophe and killing someone3. Times and conditions for testing Drug testing incurs some cost both for the employer and the employees. In 1995, the average annual cost for company sponsored testing for an employee is $26.59 and for $21.47 for outside employees. Meanwhile, the cost of the problem to the government according to America’s drug problem amounts to $31 billion. (Drug free Workplace) Drug-testing is a law; it is a pre-condition for employment, and for doing business with the US government.

It is a basic requirement if you are in the transportation industry, if you are a government organization and have transactions of more than $25K in the government.4. Attitude of employees towards drug testing including union support. Antagonisms against legalization of drug testing come from the legal opponents who say that this is discriminatory and compromises the right to privacy of employees.Regardless of criticisms the US courts have upheld the legitimacy of drug testing as one of the means to determine employee’s capability to work.

Employers will also be held liable for damages caused by accidents in case they do not have drug-free workplace, pursuant to the mandate. (Drug Free Workplace)Conclusion An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as a saying goes. And for this, drug related problems could be avoided if at the very start of employment, an applicant could be screened for his capability. A lot more depend on the attitude of an employee which could be affected if one is a drug user. The right to privacy or human rights could not be used as a defense in not undergoing a test if it is an employment requirement; otherwise, an employee is not forced to apply.

It is much more important in the transportation industry wherein lives of passengers are at the mercy of a drug intoxicated driver.ReferencesDrug Free Workplace. 1999. Sizing up American Drug Problem. Nationwide Medical Review. 13 Nov. 2008. elaws. 13 Nov. 2008. Drug-Free Work Place Advisor. U.S. Department of Labor. 14 Nov. 2008. http://www.dol.gov/elaws/asp/drugfree/benefits.htmSulturn, J. 2002, Nov. Urine---or You’re out. Reasonline in the Captive American 14 Nov. 2008.