No, not all jobs drug test. The policies of some jobs may require employees to undergo a drug test as a requirement for their jobs, while others may not.
In recent years, there has been a growing concern about drug use in the workplace. Many companies also feel drug testing is necessary to ensure their employees’ safety.
With drug testing becoming more common in the workplace, it’s important to understand the types of drug tests available and why they are essential for employers.
Read on to learn more about drug tests.
Do All Jobs Drug Test?
No, not all jobs drug test. Only some jobs drug test, and the ones that do are typically those with a high level of risk or importance.
A drug test is an important part of the job search process for some jobs. If you are seeking a position where drug testing is required, know about all the available options.
Some employers will require random drug tests as part of the hiring process. Others may have pre-employment screenings that include a questionnaire about their use of drugs and alcohol.
Whichever way, ensure that you are familiar with how it works, so there are no surprises when taking the test.
Why Do Some Jobs Test for Drugs?
1. Drug testing can help identify if an employee is using drugs or alcohol at work
There are many reasons why a job might test for drugs. Some employers think it’s essential to keep their workplace safe and drug-free.
Others may use the tests as an excuse to fire or discriminate against employees who they think are using substances illegally.
Whichever reason someone has for wanting to monitor employee substance abuse, drug tests can be instrumental in tracking down errant workers.
2. Drug testing can help prevent accidents on the job
Drug testing is an effective way of preventing accidents on the job.
It can help identify individuals under the influence and, therefore, less likely to take proper safety precautions while performing their duties.
A study found that 65% of workplace accidents are caused by drug and alcohol abuse. Thus, companies can better decide how best to protect themselves and their employees by knowing who is impaired.
3. Drug testing can protect a company from lawsuits related to drug abuse
To protect a company from lawsuits related to drug abuse, they must institute drug testing policies.
Drug testing can also help identify employees using drugs and/or alcohol at work and any workers who may be accomplices of these individuals.
As a result, a business will be less likely to face wrongful termination lawsuits for negligence in an environment where drug abuse is common.
4. As part of workplace discipline and conduct
Drug testing is a part of workplace discipline and conduct.
Besides, it is an effective tool to identify if an employee has been abusing drugs or alcohol and to ensure they are fit for duty.
Drug tests can also help supervisors assess the effectiveness of disciplinary measures against employees who have violated company policies.
In addition, drug test results provide employers with important information about current employee health conditions.
Lastly, a drug test is a standard procedure for many jobs, such as law enforcement, health care, and transportation.
When are Drug Tests Required?
1. Pre-employment drug testing
A pre-employment drug test is usually required for anyone who wants a job with the government, military, or any other organization that conducts regular drug testing.
Many employers also use this test as an initial screen for potential employees.
If an employer suspects that a job applicant might have used drugs while employed in the past, pre-employment drug testing may be conducted.
Many factors determine when pre-employment screening should occur. It may include the nature of the position being sought and anything on which previous employment records might reflect.
For example, if background checks mention marijuana or other illicit substances.
2. Random drug testing
Workplaces use random drug testing to keep their employees safe and healthy.
When an employee is randomly tested, they have no idea what kind of substances the test will be looking for.
This makes it impossible for someone who wants to abuse drugs or alcohol at work to know in advance when or where the test may happen.
3. Post-accident drug testing
Drug testing is one way that workplaces attempt to protect themselves, their employees, and the public.
Employees who injure themselves at work may be asked to submit a drug test as part of the health department’s investigation into what happened.
Drug testing can also show if someone has taken drugs or alcohol in the days leading up to or after the accident.
Consequently, if it appears that an employee was under the influence at the time of the accident, they may be subject to disciplinary action or even fired.
4. Periodic drug testing
Periodic drug testing is when an employee or contractor’s drugs are tested periodically. This could be monthly, weekly, weekly, or monthly.
What are the Types of Drug Tests?
1. Urine test
If you’re being drug tested at work, there is a good chance that you’ll have to take a urine test.
Urine tests are one of the most common types of drug tests, and they’ve been used for years as one way to detect drugs in people’s bodies.
Urine tests work by detecting the presence of drugs in someone’s body through their urine.
Hair follicle test
The hair follicle test is a common drug test used to detect the presence of drugs in someone’s body. It works by taking cells from your hair and testing for the presence of various drugs.
Additionally, this test can examine whether you have recently been using substances that could impair your ability to perform specific tasks.
Saliva test
Saliva testing is a common type of drug test used at work. The saliva is collected by spitting it into a container and then tested using various methods.
In general, testing for marijuana will require examining the contents of the saliva, while cocaine testing may involve looking for signs of metabolites in the sample.
Which Drugs are Tested?
Different types of drugs can be tested for during a drug test. Some common ones are:
- Tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC (cannabinoids, marijuana, hash)
- Cocaine (coke, crack)
- Amphetamines (meth, speed, crank)
- Opiates (heroin, opium, codeine, morphine)
- Phencyclidine (PCP, angel dust)
Other drugs detected by a test may depend on your job type and what your employer is specifically looking for.
Who Does the Drug Testing?
Drug testing is a normal part of most workplaces these days. However, who does the drug testing can vary from company to company and even within companies, depending on what policies are in place.
Companies that administer drug testing often have specific requirements for who can pick up the test kit and take it home for analysis.
Some employers choose to outsource the job to an outside lab, while others prefer to do it themselves.
No matter who performs the tests, it’s important that they be certified and qualified specifically for this task.
List of Jobs that may Require a Drug Test
Specific jobs may require you to take a drug test. Keep this in mind if you are considering a career in which drugs play a role. Some of them are:
- Health care
- Transportation and logistics
- Government
- Automotive
- Manufacturing
- Information Technology
- Insurance
- Biotech and pharmaceuticals
It is also important to know the requirements for any drug test that may be required to avoid any potential trouble.
Cons of Drug Tests
- Drug tests can be invasive and embarrassing
- Drug testing can be inaccurate
- Drug tests can lead to jail time
- Drug tests can lead to job loss or suspension
FAQs
What drug test is the most common type for pre-employment?
Many drug tests can be used for pre-employment; however, the most common is probably a urine test.
What happens if you fail a drug test?
If you fail a drug test, there is evidence in your system showing you have used or are currently using drugs.
This can lead to serious consequences, including being fired from your job, revoking your driver’s license, and even getting arrested.
Can you fail a drug test and still get hired?
Yes, you can fail a drug test and still get hired if the employer is willing to overlook the failed test.
Final Thoughts
Drug tests are required for several reasons, but one of the most common is to detect and prevent drug abuse or addiction.
Drug testing can also be used as part of a job application process or contract negotiation. When you’re asked to take a drug test, there are usually specific expectations about how it will be conducted.
Some formality is usually involved in setting up the test, such as coming in on your schedule (if possible) or making an appointment.
The goal is always similar: To get an accurate reading that tells employers more than just what drugs have been taken recently.
Further, employers want to know how much of each substance was put inside your body at any time.
Lastly, learn more about everything you need to know about employee onboarding.
Thanks for reading.
