Drugs and alcohols have got severe effects on human body. Thus, its intake can bring you severe consequences which you might not be able to deal with. Generally, the best way to detect the intake of these elements is by taking a simple drug and alcohol testing measure. In some countries, it is a necessity, whereas, in the other, it is a personal choice. Thus, if you feel not okay being tested for these drugs and alcohol, then you might be able to avoid the general public tests. But at certain places like your office and other commercial buildings, you would have to be careful with their rules and regulations related to alcohol testing.
Before starting to protest for the breach in your privacy, you need to go through the company laws at first. If they state these tests on regular intervals are a necessity, then there is no point of avoiding them. However, do not forget to check your country laws as well.
Is Alcohol And Drug Testing Legal?
You might have been pondering on this question for quite some time now. But fortunately or unfortunately the answer is yes. Drug and alcohol testing is legal in most countries. Take the instance of Australia. It is absolutely legal in the country. The owner is legitimately correct if they ever think of getting the test conducted on his employees. If he finds the necessity to do so, he can always go ahead with the idea of testing.
But there is one catch here. To get drug and alcohol testing done, there has to be an existing policy in the company to get the necessity done. So if the owner does not have proper work policies implemented then he will fail to get positive results even if his employee is found guilty of the same. So to avoid any issues and controversies later on, make sure that you educate your employees in the right direction and that you have your workplace policies all thoroughly reviewed and checked.
The Importance of Drug and Alcohol Testing
Drug and alcohol testing is not a very uncommon issue in most countries. It is also considered necessary in today’s world because of the rampant drug and alcohol abuse that goes on. Some industries have it implemented as a necessity before they begin work because of the vitality of their jobs. Industries like the aviation, transport and construction industries make it necessary for their employees to pass the test to avoid fatalities and issues later on.
Apart from that, drug and alcohol testing also ensures that productivity in the workplace is at its highest, health concerns are not a nagging concern, the workplace is safe and secure to maintain the integrity of its employees.
What are the things that the Employees Should Be Aware Of?
Although drug and alcohol testing is legal in some countries, the employees should also be aware of the parameters that should be in place to expose their workers to such tests. If they are not met, it will be an invasion of employees’ personal rights.
So before doing drug and alcohol testing, the employees should be found guilty enough to go through the tests, what drugs they can be tested for, how the results will be used, how they will be impacted by them and how the company will respond to the test results, if they are positive.
When Is Drug And Alcohol Testing Done?
Drug and alcohol testing is a necessity in some industries that have already been mentioned above because of the vitality of their jobs. This test is conducted to ensure the safety of the general public and also the life of the individual concerned. Other industries also perform these tests so that their employees do not become a victim of accidents. Say for instance, when a machine operator is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, he may lose his life and cause destruction to other people and properties.
Methods of Screening
There are various methods of screening for drugs and alcohol. For various drugs, there are various ways like testing their urine, saliva or oral fluids. For alcohol testing, the most common method is by testing their breath.
Concluding With Meaning of Results
After your test results are out of your drug and alcohol testing, you will see them as negative, non-negative and positive. With a negative result, you are clearly out of trouble’s way. And with a non-negative test, it does not say that you are confirmed to be taking drugs so you may have to undergo many more tests. And a positive test needs no explanation because you are caught taking drugs or alcohol. So be prepared accordingly.