Why is it essential to have a drug-free workplace? Why should employers consider drug testing for their employees?
What is a Drug-Free Workplace?
A drug-free workplace (DFWP) is a work environment that discourages drug and alcohol use to create safer workplaces focused on employee health and well-being. DFWP programs have been implemented by many companies that create policies and procedures to discourage use of drugs, conduct training programs and implement drug testing. A great resource is provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). It is called the Drug Free Workplace Toolkit.
In Alaska, employers are generally allowed to set their own policies regarding drug use, whether or not to drug test their employees for any job-related purpose, consistent with business necessity and the terms of the employer’s policy.
What are the Benefits of a Drug-Free Workplace?
- Increased productivity – improve employee’s performance, focus and efficiency in work
- Workplace safety – promotes a safe environment for the employees to feel safe in their workplace by creating a clear and concise drug free workplace policy.
- Decreased Costs – it may lower costs in medical and health insurance for both employees and employers, associated with treating drug-related illnesses, accidents, and injuries.
Drug Testing
From 2012 to 2022, the post-accident positive marijuana tests in U.S. workers has increased to 204.2 percent, which has reached its highest level in the past 25 years, according to the 2023 Quest Diagnostics Drug Testing Index.
In addition, here is a list of all Alaska drug testing laws, last updated in 2023. Stay up to date on what you need to know by contacting us today.
MedPhysicals Plus goes the extra mile to make employee drug testing as simple as possible. For companies with a drug-free workplace policy, MedPhysicals can complete testing of all types quickly and efficiently and offers a range of drug-testing options, including urine, blood, and hair tests, and ensures that all tests are conducted in a fair and non-discriminatory manner.
Visit our page on employee drug testing and screening here.
References:
https://risqconsulting.com/alaska-employment-law-drug-and-alcohol-testing/
https://www.ndwa.org/drug-free-workplace/industry-statistics/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-benefits-drug-free-workplace-heather-keefer-saulsbury/