Drug and Alcohol Screening: When Does Your Business Need Both?

A post by American Addiction Centers, citing a national survey, reveals that 15.3% of employees worked while under the influence of alcohol. It also reports that 2.9% of workers admitted to being impaired by illicit drugs while on the job.

As an employer, these numbers are alarming because they create risks for safety, productivity, and compliance. To protect your workplace, you may use regular alcohol screening and drug screening. 

These programs help identify problems early and lower the chance of costly accidents. Here are times when your business may need to conduct both screenings.

Pre-Employment Testing to Ensure Safe Hires

Hiring decisions shape your business and affect both safety and productivity. Pre-employment alcohol screening and drug screening help identify risks before an applicant joins your team. Employers often include screening as part of job offers, especially in safety-sensitive industries like:

• Healthcare
• Transportation
• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Aviation

Candidates who fail screening may pose risks to coworkers or company operations. Consider contracting with ReliaLab Test for reliable alcohol and drug testing services. Our company has certified and skilled lab technicians.

You can rely on their expertise to deliver accurate and timely results. Clear communication about testing builds trust with applicants and prevents future disputes.

Pre-employment screening also supports business compliance testing, helping you meet legal requirements while building a dependable workforce. Safe hires protect both employees and company resources.

Compliance With Federal and State Regulations

The government has strict safety guidelines for companies in risky industries. If your company is in one of these industries, you might need frequent alcohol and drug testing.

These industries involve tasks like:

• Driving
• Flying
• Operating heavy machines
• Treating patients
• Handling hazardous materials
• Managing public safety systems

Safety is a huge concern because mistakes here can harm many people. Failing to comply can bring heavy fines, lawsuits, or even loss of contracts. It can also damage the trust people have in your business.

Business compliance testing helps companies follow the law and keep workplaces safe. Clear rules also show workers that safety comes first. By testing fairly and often, companies protect lives and maintain a strong reputation.

Random Testing to Deter Ongoing Substance Use

Substance misuse can appear at any stage of work and put everyone at risk. Random alcohol and drug screening helps:

• Keep employees accountable
• Discourage unsafe choices
• Support a culture of responsibility
• Reduce accident risks
• Protect the company’s reputation

Workers who are aware that testing can occur at any time are less likely to take chances. Random checks work well when applied equally across all positions to build fairness. In high-risk fields, even minor lapses in judgment can cause accidents or serious harm.

Many companies use drug mouth swab tests for fast and accurate results during surprise checks. Regular random testing lowers accident rates, protects employees, and helps businesses maintain strong productivity.

Follow-Up Testing to Monitor High-Risk Employees

Your business may employ someone with past violations who still poses a safety risk. Even with a warning, they may still return to work under the influence. Follow-up drug and alcohol screening helps:

• Reduce the likelihood of repeated violations
• Protect coworkers and clients from harm
• Confirm steady progress over time
• Build a safer work culture
• Support long-term accountability

Testing can be scheduled or unannounced, depending on the case. Clarifying the process prevents the employee from feeling singled out. Respectful communication encourages trust and cooperation.

Follow-up checks also reassure everyone that wellness programs are effective. They demonstrate the company’s commitment to safety and responsibility.

Post-Accident Testing to Determine Contributing Factors

Accidents can:

• Disrupt daily operations
• Cause serious harm to employees
• Put clients at risk
• Damage equipment or property
• Create unexpected financial costs

Many accidents occur due to carelessness associated with drug or alcohol use. Impaired workers may lose focus, respond slowly, or overlook safety procedures. These mistakes often cause injuries, property damage, or financial loss for the company.

Post-accident alcohol and drug testing helps confirm if impairment was the cause. Employers often arrange for testing immediately after an accident to ensure the results are accurate and reliable.

Post-accident testing also supports workplace safety screening by spotting risks early and reducing repeat incidents. Clear rules foster accountability. Consistent action strengthens trust and keeps everyone in the workplace safer.

Contractual or Client Requirements for Screening

Your business may be involved in contracts that necessitate strict safety protocols. One rule may be drug and alcohol testing for workers. These tests show that employees can work safely and meet client standards.

Clients want proof that workers are:

• Alert
• Dependable
• Careful
• Trustworthy
• Focused

Testing programs provide that proof. Employers can schedule regular tests, use random checks, or require tests before certain jobs. Each step lowers risks and builds client trust.

Clear rules help workers understand why testing matters. Records of tests also show professionalism and care. Meeting these contract rules protects business deals, builds trust with clients, and keeps the workplace safe.

Reasonable Suspicion Testing Based on Observed Behavior

Supervisors sometimes notice unusual behavior such as:

• Slurred speech
• Unsteady movement
• Poor coordination
• Confused thoughts
• Sudden mood changes

Observing these signs can be a cause for alarm and may call for drug and alcohol screening. In such cases, the supervisor should remain calm and avoid making personal judgments. The next step is to document what was seen and report it through the proper process.

Trained supervisors can then request employee substance checks to confirm if impairment is present. Testing only follows clear evidence, which protects both the worker and the company. When combined with equitable drug and alcohol policies, reasonable suspicion programs mitigate risks, prevent confusion, and foster trust throughout the workplace.

Drug and Alcohol Screening for Safer Workplaces

Drug and alcohol screening helps companies stay safe, compliant, and productive. Alcohol screening lowers the risk of accidents by ensuring workers are fit for duty. 

Drug screening provides peace of mind for employers, clients, and coworkers in sensitive industries. Together, these tools protect contracts, reduce risks, and build a stronger workplace culture.

At ReliaLab Test, we ensure simple and reliable testing, with most negative results available in under 24 hours. We have served businesses and individuals nationwide for over 15 years.

Our certified team offers pre-employment, random, and reasonable suspicion testing. Reach out to us today for trusted, nationwide testing solutions.