Drug testing in the workplace

Todays OR Nurse. 1989 Nov;11(11):8-14.

Abstract

It is estimated that on any one day, 8.9 million to 16 million employees will be working under the influence of drugs, and thus performing at only 67% of capacity. There are three possible phases of a drug testing program: pre-employment drug screening; testing for probable cause following unexplained behavior or events; and random sample testing to detect use of controlled substances by employees on the job. With the high cost and potential for error involved, it is imperative to have a strategy or set of guidelines for instituting a drug testing program so that it protects the employee's rights and company's liability concerns. Employers need to make confidential Employee Assistance Programs available to all employees.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Occupational Health Services
  • Professional Impairment
  • Substance-Related Disorders / diagnosis*