In the 1980s, the federal government required drug testing from government contr
ID: 351805 • Letter: I
Question
In the 1980s, the federal government required drug testing from government contractors. Since then, a number of companies have adopted policies regarding drug testing in the workplace. Companies believe they need to do drug testing to promote a safe and efficient work environment. Others believe it is an invasion of privacy and what a person does at home should have no bearing on employment. Write a paper addressing the following questions:
Do you think that companies should perform drug testing on employees? Explain your rationale and provide specific examples, where applicable.
Is the safety of employees and overall efficiency of the company or the privacy rights of employees more important? Explain your decision.
If you think drug testing of employees is appropriate, what human resource policies would you put in place to govern the drug testing? Explain. If you do not think that drug testing is appropriate, what obligations do companies have to make sure proper safety is maintained in the workplace?
Explanation / Answer
Do you think that companies should perform drug testing on employees?
Absolutely. Companies need to perform drug testing on employees. The reasons are listed below:
Is the safety of employees and overall efficiency of the company or the privacy rights of employees more important?
Safety of employees and the overall efficiency of the company is more important that the privacy of employees. Employers’ legal duty is to provide a secure work environment and also ensure that the employees are safe while doing the work. If the employee is on drugs, then they jeopardize the safety of others and themselves. It is ok to intrude the privacy of the employees to ensure the safety of workers. Workplace safety is the main reasons the employees are tested for any drug use. Operating on machinery and equipment by a drug user might be injured and his/her life is at risk. Consumers seek companies that maintain high standards of ethics. Companies sometimes advertise their drug-free environment to attract the consumers and gain their trust. Hence, it is pertinent that companies do drug testing for employment.
If you think drug testing of employees is appropriate, what human resource policies would you put in place to govern the drug testing?
The policy that the human resources need to adapt is the compliance to the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. According to this act, companies are committed to provide safety, quality oriented and productive work environment so that the company maintains high standards in the community it operates. The HR department is incharge of the policy administration. The policy provides the practice and procedure to correct employees under drug. This policy is applied to all the employees of the workplace. Illegal drug/alcohol use will have detrimental effects on the safety and the health of the concerned employee. HR department provides information on these consequences and assist employees rehab this habit.