Environments Where Drug and Alcohol Testing are Recommended

July 6, 2011 - PRLog -- Drug and alcohol testing should be applied to every environment, both working and non-working. In addition to this, it should be applied to just about every type of workplace environment. However, there are some industries and some circumstances where it is especially helpful and important. Recommended industries include:

 •   Defense
 •   Shipping
 •   Engineering
 •   Transportation
 •   Mining
 •   Aviation

These are high-stress industries which involve a certain minimum level of danger and risk. In these industries, stress rises to such a degree that substance abuse is used as a coping mechanism, even for emotionally-healthy and successful individuals. It is important to use regular and quality drug and alcohol testing procedures within these industries.

In addition to the general guidelines above, testing should be used in environments which are stressful or which are managed by emotionally-immature employers.

In “Managing Workplace Stress” by Susan Cartwright and Cary L. Cooper, the cost of stress within a company is already pretty profound, costing the company working days from employees who are sick. These working days add up within an organization and even an economy, because money and time are pouring out from your business, rather than coming in. The cost of effective drug and alcohol testing is minimal compared to the cost of maintaining unhealthy and unsafe staff. It is crucial to use proper drug and alcohol testing in places where physical and emotional stability is in jeopardy. High stress can contribute to both of these negative factors.

In an article by French, Roebuck, and Alexandre, they discuss how heavy substance abusers are far more likely to skip work than light users. This indicates that a business which has employed an individual with negative test results will still need to implement regular testing procedures over time in order to make sure that light users or non-users do not become heavy abusers. If they did, it could result in lost revenue due to absenteeism and it could lead to unsafe working conditions.

Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing does not necessarily fix the problem of employee substance abuse. An individual could remain clean in order to apply for and receive a job. However, they can easily return to their former behavior if they are not monitored appropriately.

Require accountability from your staff and you will not only earn respect from your staff, but also from your clients. Contact CMM Technology today concerning quality drug and alcohol testingequipment: +618-9204-2500 and also log on to http://cmm.com.au/