How Can Drug Testing Benefit The Workplace?

Have you considered conducting drug tests on your employees? Join us as we walk you through why drug testing can benefit your workplace.

Why is it important to have employees to get drug tested?

Drug and alcohol testing in the workplace is first and foremost about safety. It is a way to protect everyone’s right to a safe working environment and is especially important in high-risk environments.

Promotes Safer Working Environment

Australia is one of the safest places to work in the world, with Safe Work Australia reporting that our country’s workplace fatality rate has decreased by 50% since 2007. This is partly because there are strict policies in place around training and risk management. Regular drug testing has its place as part of the solution. 

Reduce Potential Legal Liabilities

Drug testing in the workplace can help reduce legal liabilities by reducing workplace accidents.

Employers will be able to identify risks before they turn into larger problems. Drug testing has the ability to identify employees who pose a risk to workplace safety.

Higher Productivity

With a drug and alcohol free work environment, you’re likely to have,

Less absenteeism
Employees that take days off work affect the workplace immensely. Especially to other employees who might have to work extra hours to cover the increased workload.

Less employee turnover
Think about the hiring process. The amount of hours that a business spends on finding the right employee is huge! Like advertising, medicals, training etc.

More thankful employees
A business that shows dedication towards safety is always looked upon with respect to employees who are doing the right thing. It shows that the business cares about their safety.

Reduce Health Insurance Cost

Drug users and abusers incur higher medical costs because they are more likely to have accidents and need workers compensation which in turn increases health insurance.

A drug and alcohol free work environment has less frequent health insurance claims.

Workers compensation is never a positive ending for an employer and employee. It drives up insurance costs for the company, and the employee suffers from a tarnished health record for possible future employment.

Reduce Recruitment Costs

Recruitment costs are always huge. Plus the business has to spend money and hours into training and getting new employees up to speed.

A drug free workplace has a higher employee retention rate as people are happier… and busier.

Drug abusers tend to change jobs frequently according to a study the SAMHSA. Drug abusers on average can change jobs 3 times a year.

Your best workers could potentially leave from not putting up with decreased moral and an increased dangerous work environment.

Improve Business Reputation

Imagine your business on the news about drugs or alcohol, or even being raided for drug possession! It wouldn’t matter if your management knew about the issue beforehand, your business would be blamed in the eye of the public.

By promoting a safer and healthier workplace to the public, you’re increasing the image that your company cares about its employees safety and performs all necessary steps to keep drugs and alcohol out of the workplace.

Educate Employees About The Danger Of Drugs

Educating your employees about the dangers of drugs or alcohol sends a positive message that your company cares about them. 

Drug testing can reinforce that drugs can lead to serious repercussions, like addiction, family and relationship troubles, employment issues etc.

Increasing the awareness of drugs and alcohol and the danger that stems from these bad choices will ultimately be a good thing.

Is it legal for employees to get tested 

Any business can conduct workplace drug and alcohol testing in Australia. For some industries, such as mining, construction, aviation, testing is regulated to ensure a safer working environment.

What are some statistics on drug abuse at workplace

These figures come from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation and the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

  • 9 Million of Australians over the age of 14 have used illicit drugs
  • 16% of Aussies have used illicit drugs in the last 12 months.
  • 1 in 25 Australians have misused pharmaceuticals.
  • 25% of Australians aged 18 years and over exceeded the Australian Adult Alcohol Guidelines in 2020-21.
  • Australians who were born here are more likely to exceed alcohol consumption guidelines. 
  • 3 out of 5 Drug-related hospitalisations in Australia are due to alcohol.
  • 9.5 litres is the per capita annual consumption of alcohol in Australia, which exceeds the OECD average.
  • 1 in 20 Australian workers admit to working under the influence of alcohol at some point in their career
  • 11% of workplace accidents and injuries have alcohol as a contributing factor.
  • 2 billion Dollars are lost to alcohol-related absenteeism in Australia each year.
  • The industries with higher rates of workplace alcohol and other drug use include construction, financial services, transport, hospitality and other service industries.
  • One third of Australian workers have experienced negative effects from a colleague’s use of alcohol.
  • What Are The Benefits Of Workplace Drug Test? H2
  • Drug and alcohol testing plays an immeasurable part in minimising the risk of workplace accidents. 

Improve Your Workplace Safety Today!

If you need help with where to start with drug and alcohol testing, please contact us here, or go to https://ozdrugtesting.com.au/shop/ to see our comprehensive store.