This is of course a hypothetical scenario and one we hope you never have to actually experience. So much information is currently available to help you with substance abusing co-workers and employees. But what if your beloved boss or your employer developed a drug problem?
What would you do and how would you address the problem?
A drug test for all
Did you know that when a drug screening programme is introduced to a workplace, all members of the staff should be subject to random testing? Contrary to popular myth, anyone can develop a drug or alcohol problem, and organisations that use workplace drug testing need to develop a system that targets all elements of the workforce.
An equitable onsite screening programme should randomly select a variety of employees for testing. These should come from all sectors such as:
- Director
- Upper management
- Middle management
- Lower management
- Factory or worksite blue collar workers
- Administration staff
- Cleaners
- Any other employees from additional sectors
Fairness in drug testing Australia
Fairness is one of the most important factors that ensure a quality testing programme. The onsite or workplace administered programme should not just appear to be fair, but should have fairness and across the board testing woven into it as one of its key features.
This is so that all employees understand they are not being personally singled out. It is also so that various employee groups at a particular worksite also understand that they are not being targeted unfairly. All employees – including directors and employers – need to be subject to the screening programme
Drug Alcohol Testing by a Third Party
One of the most effective ways of developing a culture of drug screening objectivity and clarity is to employ the services of a specialist onsite screening organisation. There are organisations that focus purely on onsite testing, on the development, delivery and management of all your workplace’s screening needs, from chain of custody paperwork through to the selection of suitable screening devices through to the computerised and random selection of groups of employees for the testing procedure.
Objectivity
While this kind of objectivity is in fact an elusive philosophical and scientific category, it is one that needs to be aspired to by the organisation and by the onsite screening service.[1] While true objectivity is exceedingly difficult to attain, the best and most professional onsite screening programmes will do all they can to ensure all employees are tested and processed as equally and fairly as possible.
This involves:
- Proper filling out of all chain of custody paperwork
- Using the same devices for all undergoing the drug test
- Making sure all devices are functioning and working properly
- Making sure the screening areas are safe and free from the possibility of adulterants that can interfere with test results
- Making sure that the selection of employees for testing follows the usual system and protocols.
Mediscreen supplies quality onsite screening for all employees. Speak with a specialist Mediscreen provider on 1300 797040.