Drug testing contributes to workplace success

Drug testing in the workplace is a much debated topic, some questioning it’s necessity, others it’s legitimacy. What many employers have always known, however, is it’s effectiveness. Most have no doubt that drug screening of employees results in a more efficient and happier workplace. A recent study has shown that there were fewer workplace fatalities in 2009, and that was partly due to the widespread introduction of workplace drug testing. The latest numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show fatal occupational injuries in 2009 fell from the previous year — down to 4,340 from 5,314. It’s the smallest annual preliminary total since the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries program was first conducted in 1992. “Obviously when the numbers go down it’s good news,” said Peg Seminario, safety and health director for the AFL-CIO. While the economy and training programs are contributors to this success, drug screening has also played an important role. Bill Pipkin, vice chair of the workers’ compensation committee for DRI, says employers are placing more emphasis on drug testing. “I don’t think companies are cutting corners when it comes to drug testing or safety training programs,” he said, and this is playing a key role in dropping fatality figures.]]>