Reasons Why and When Employees Get Drug Screened

When & Why Employees May Get Drug Tested

In addition to pre-employment drug testing, some employers drug test employees during their employment. Other situations where employers might drug test include:

Random drug testing. Employers must randomly select an employee from all employees at an unannounced time. Most employers especially those with employees in safety sensetive jobs where they are regulated by a government administration, will either manage their own consortium (random testing pool) or outsource this work to someone such as Substance Abuse Consultants. Having a random testing drug consortium employers can make sure they are in compliance with the agencies they report to. 

Post-accident drug testing. Employers use drug testing after an accident, injury, or fatality to determine whether drugs could have had a hand in the incident.

Post-Positive drug testing. Employees in a substance abuse counseling program with a SAP counselor would be subject to regular drug tests through-out the process of trying to get their jobs back. This is especially true with safety-sensitive jobs, primarily aligned with the DOT regulations of compliance. The DOT Clearing House has specific rules that substance abuse professionals must adhere to while truck-drivers for instance go through their program.

Reasonable suspicion testing. Employers must have reason to believe an employee is intoxicated. Signs of intoxication include slurred speech, lack of coordination, demonstrating unsafe behavior, or being unfit for work duties. 

Annual physical tests. Some employers include drug and alcohol testing as part of an annual physical exam. Employers must ensure they inform employees of drug testing during a physical exam.

Post-rehabilitation drug testing. Employers may require drug testing for employees that return to work following drug or alcohol rehabilitation. After and during the employee’s rehab with the SAP counselor they will have to complete their program with at least one final and likely regular drug testing if the employer kindly allows them to retain their employment.