subject: Strictly No Addiction Policy At The Office [print this page] A working environment should be free from the influence of alcohol and drug abuse. It is a primary right of the employer to prohibit drug and alcohol abuse among his or her personnel to maintain the enterprise's development and the quality of work on the field. Employers ensure that the work area is free from the influence of drugs and alcohol in order to avoid higher medical expenses and possible accidents which will happen in the workplace. The employer has the right to conduct an alcohol and drug exams for the workers and to implement policies as well as disciplinary actions for those workers who've failed the test.
Drug Free Workplace
The government requires all firms and business establishments to have a drug-free working environment. The employer has the right to make it sure that all employees are not violating regulations like that of substance addiction. If one worker is identified to be intoxicated by alcohol and drugs, it may be a ground for termination from work. The employee is to be requested to submit himself or herself to the experts of drug treatment centers for immediate therapy.
Conducting Exams
The company has the right to perform a drug testing in various methods like obtaining a blood sample, oral fluid, hair specimen and testing the urine from employees. A test method known as the breath-alcohol test will determine if an employee is in the influence of alcohol during working hours. The company has the privilege of conducting an unannounced examination and in a random way.
Disciplinary Actions
Disciplining an employee is one right of the company. If the worker could not meet the standards and quality of work because of drug and alcohol abuse, the employer can make actions like suspension, denying the employment or terminate the contract of work. There are some instances that the employer will send the worker to the experts of drug treatment for further rehabilitation interventions and to help the employee gain recovery.
Preventive Options
The company or business establishment should accurately keep the records from all previous alcohol and drug testing to avoid any types of lawsuits. The information which must be well documented are the name of the employee, the date of screening, reasons for screening, results and the interventions done.
A working environment should promote development and a healthy atmosphere which will be conducive for productive work. Employers have the right to maintain productivity and positive outcomes not just for the sake of the company or business establishment but as well as for the employee's well-being.
