As drug and substance abuse continues affecting communities across the country,
many businesses have rolled out pre-employment and random drug testing policies
to maintain a safe and productive work environment. According to recent
surveys, nearly 75% of large US companies now conduct some form of screening
for illegal and prescription drugs. There are a few key reasons for this
increase.

One of the primary motivations for workplace drug testing is reducing liability
risks. Being under the influence of Drug
Testing or alcohol can seriously impair judgment and motor skills,
increasing the chances of accidents. This is a major concern for companies
operating heavy machinery, vehicles, or in fields like construction where
safety is paramount. A positive test gives employers legal protection if an
accident or injury occurs and drugs are found in the person's system. It also
demonstrates the company made efforts to ensure only sober employees were on
duty. Some industries like transportation are also legally mandated by federal
regulations to conduct regular screening of safety-sensitive positions.

Substance abuse has been directly linked to reduced productivity, poorer
quality of work, and increased unplanned absences according to various studies.
Drugs can impair focus and concentration needed to perform tasks accurately.
They may also contribute to tardiness, more sick days used, and generally
unreliable attendance. Implementation of drug testing demand aims to identify
such issues early and get struggling employees help through programs like
counseling or rehabilitation. This allows others to remain focused on achieving
their goals and meeting customer demands. Pre-employment screening especially
helps avoid hiring candidates whose drug use might later negatively impact a
business.