The Importance of a Drug Free Workplace

Drug and Alcohol Testing in Idaho The Idaho Private Employer Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace Act establishes voluntary drug and alcohol testing guidelines for private employers, although the state of Idaho and its political subdivisions may also conduct drug and alcohol testing of employees under the law. It is lawful for a private employer to test employees or prospective employees for the presence of drugs or alcohol as a condition of hiring or continued employment, provided the testing requirements and procedures are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. For each policy of worker's compensation insurance issued or renewed in Idaho on or after July 1, 1999, a reduction in the premium for the policy may be granted if the insurer determines the insured has established and maintains an alcohol and drug-free workplace program that complies with the requirements of the Idaho Private Employer Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace Act. Any testing for the presence of drugs or alcohol by a private employer must be carried out within the terms of a written policy that has been communicated to affected employees, and is available for review by prospective employees. The private employer must list the types of tests an employee may be subject to in its written policy, which may include, but are not limited to, the following: baseline; preemployment; post-accident; random; return to duty; follow-up; and reasonable suspicion. Any employee or prospective employee who tests positive for drugs or alcohol must be given written notice of that test result, including the type of substance involved, by the private employer. The Importance of a Drug-Free Workplace

There are over 14 million Americans who are currently illicit drug users; seventy-five percent of them are employed. Drug users frequently target smaller businesses, which cannot (or do not) afford a drug-free workplace policy. This is particularly dangerous to small businesses because one serious accident can be financially devastating. Of current illicit drug users, 44% work in small companies (1-24 employees), 43% work in medium companies (25-499), and only 13% are employed by large companies (over 500 employees).

The benefits of a drug-free workplace are numerous, including increases in:

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  • Staff morale
  • Employee motivation
  • Employee creativity
  • Customer satisfaction
  • Positive public image
  • Savings through incentive programs offered by insurance companies
  • Savings through fewer accidents and property damage

As well as decreases in:

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  • Accidents
  • Errors
  • Incidents involving disciplinary action
  • Absenteeism
  • Tardiness
  • Employee theft and fraud
  • Legal expenses
  • Insurance claims
  • Staff turnover
  • Chances of hiring a substance abuser
  • Workers compensation costs

After Ramada Corporation introduced their drug-free workplace policy, absenteeism among employees decreased by 50% and accidents by 82%.

In the first year of its drug-free workplace program, Peck Feeds saw a 50% reduction in injuries, a 15% reduction in unexcused absences, and a 75% reduction in property damage incidents.

Drug-free workplace policies work. They save money against the bottom line, while stabilizing a company's employment Base. Call Drug Shield today, we can assist with all of the facets of establishing a drug-free workplace policy. From writing the policy itself, to supplying on-site drug testing kits proven to be the most accurate and efficient in the market today, Drug Shield is your gateway to a drug-free workplace.