It’s a common misconception that employers only request drug tests before hiring individuals to operate heavy machinery or a vehicle. These days, many employers require a drug test, credit check, and/or a full background check before they’ll hire you. Employers aren’t interested in invading your privacy or putting your lifestyle choices under a microscope. What they are interested in is maintaining a drug-free work environment and there are plenty statistics to support this interest.
For starters, companies have a legal obligation to protect other employees from harm. Drug users are 3.6 times more likely to cause an accident at work. Next, companies also have a legal obligation to distance themselves from individuals that may put them in a position to support drug use, whether intentionally or not. Companies must also protect themselves from other issues such as high health care costs and worker’s compensation claims. When compared to drug-free co-workers, drug users are one-third less productive, they are 10 times more likely to call in sick, health care costs are three times higher, and they are more likely to file a worker’s compensation claim.
If an employer uses tax credits and federal grant money, it must comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. The Act states that any company that uses federal money or tax credits must maintain a drug-free workplace. So, if you take a drug test and it comes back positive, no matter how qualified you are for the position, the company cannot hire you, period.
Taking a Drug Test
If a company requires a drug test, they will likely send you to a drug testing center of their choice. They will provide a form for you to take to the drug testing center, but you can schedule your own appointment. After taking the test, the drug testing center will complete the form and send it to your potential employer. A positive result will help move the hiring process forward. A negative result will stop it in its tracks.
It’s important to note that some employers perform random drug testing. This means that even if you’ve been in a position for years and your record is clean, a positive result at any time can still cost you your job.
