Why Companies Perform Random Drug Testing
Perhaps the most controversial of all drug screenings is the
random drug test. Employers have the legal authority to request
a random drug test, whether they have a reasonable suspicion or
not. Many companies have implemented a policy of completely
random drug testing. This practice can be likened to that of a
lottery. If your name is selected then it is your turn for
random drug testing; the employee may have little or no advance
warning in these cases.
Employers often exercise their rights to administer random drug
testing as a way to determine whether or not an employee is a
drug user; drug use in the workplace is often blamed for
absenteeism, health problems and on-the-job accidents. Although
many companies already require pre-employment drug screenings,
many claim that random drug testing is more effective at finding
the drug users in their workforce. With a pre-employment drug
screening, the employee often has at least a few hours of
advance warning and therefore can attempt to take measures to
"cheat" on the test. Many products are available to help users
pass drug screenings; from synthetic urine to agents that mask
the appearance of a particular drug, various methods exist for
drug abusers to beat the tests.
Most of the random drug testing takes place in settings in which
drug use can be hazardous to the well being of others. Factories
and warehouses are two prime examples of places that often have
random drug testing policies. Forklift drivers under the
influence have often been the cause of serious, and occasionally
fatal, accidents in the workplace. Drug abusers who work with
other heavy machinery or on an assembly line run the risk of
injury as well. Random drug testing can often produce quick and
accurate results. Some employers have drug-testing kits
available on-site, and a simple swab sample from the mouth can
give an immediate positive or negative result.
Despite arguments against random drug testing, employers often
stand firm on their decision to implement this policy. Whether
there is probable cause or not, employers have the right to
request drug screening at any time. It is in the employee's best
interest to abstain from drug use, whether on the job or not.
Though privacy advocates suggest that random drug testing is a
breach of an employee's right to privacy, the simple fact
remains that employers may choose this method if they deem
necessary. The debate will likely continue well into the future.