The United States has long been a leader in the area of drug and alcohol testing in the workplace. Testing in all forms and guises has been underway for many years and this has helped to carve and shape the testing industry so that it can hone its efficacy and targeting of AOD use or abuse in an organisation or on a site.
Pre-employment drug testing is one aspect of a testing model that is already widely used in the U.S, but has not gained as much traction here in Australia. But in the future, this may well change.
Definition
Pre-employment testing involves testing of an individual prior to their employment to see whether drugs are in their system. Consent must be given for this type of testing if one wants to secure employment and it cannot be enforced. In America, the practice is widespread. According to Lifetime Health Today, pre-employment testing now forms part of standard background checks – a process where “the prospective employer attempts to find out information about you that is not disclosed or available in the interview. Previously, this would have been a phonecall to a manager or referee…but now employers feel the need for more invasive investigations.”[1]
Rationale for this type of testing
The rationale for this kind of screening is that it
- Discourages employees who do not fit profile or suitability for job from applying. (deters drug users from applying)
- Pre-empts prospective OHS difficulties or problems due to drug dependence in an employee. (It is better to screen drug users out before they even start work.)[2]
Some of the most successful and profitable businesses and organisations in the world now implement pre-employment testing as part of their interviewing and sourcing strategy.
Approximately 98% of Fortune 200 companies are now believed to use pre-employment testing with the use of consent and agreement as part of the interview process.[3]
The following outlines the process pursued in the U.S and it is foreseeable that in the future it will gain momentum in Australia in some quarters:
- Employers have written pre-employment testing of job applicants into their policy
- Written notification of screening is given before any testing can occur
- Written notification is given to interviewee stating that screening must occur before any hiring occurs. Therefore, screening is a prerequisite of hiring
- Type of testing is outlined in writing
- Written notification given, stating job offer is requisite upon negative result
- All applicants undergo this procedure, and this is communicated in writing[4]
Time will tell whether or not pre-employment testing will take hold in Australia in the same way it has with major organizations in the United States. In the meantime, AOD testing is a feature of Australian workplaces and is legislated for in many areas and industries. If you require advice about onsite testing and screening strategies, please speak with a member of the Mediscreen team, who can assist you with your requirements. Mediscreen 1300 797040
[1] http://www.lifetimehealthtoday.com/background-checks-pre-employment-drug-testing.html
[2] http://www.lifetimehealthtoday.com/background-checks-pre-employment-drug-testing.html
[3] http://www.best-job-interview.com/pre-employment-drug-testing.html
[4] http://www.best-job-interview.com/pre-employment-drug-testing.html
