More Employers Requiring Drug Tests
The number of employers requiring drug screens for potential workers is rising as companies try to meet federal workplace rules and limit their liability, according to company officials and testing firms. And, the number of tests turning up positive for drug use also is increasing.
In 1988, the Drug Free Workplace Act mandated that all federal agencies and any business recipients of federal grant money or contracts be drug-free. Since then, drug-testing company officials say they've seen an increase in employers requesting the testing.
"It's becoming an acceptable part of the hiring process," said Dr. Robert Bennett, who owns a testing facility in Charleston.
Drumm Enterprises Inc. of Greenville has had a 50 percent increase in businesses requesting pre-employment drug screens, said Cheryl Lunn, occupational health coordinator.
At the same time, the company has had a 40 percent increase in the number of pre-employment positive tests, Lunn said. Drumm processes 150 to 200 samples each month for Upstate employers.
Most tests look for five substances: marijuana, cocaine, PCP, opiates and amphetamines, Lunn said.
Smaller companies, especially contractors, are beginning to test for drugs to comply with the policies of larger companies they contract with, Lunn said. Some large corporations receive discounts on liability insurance and workers' compensation if they drug-test their employees, she said.
Several large Upstate companies test potential workers for drugs before hiring.
All potential BMW Manufacturing Corp. employees must submit hair for drug screens, said spokeswoman Bunny Richardson.
Michelin has tested job candidates since 1985, said Andy Delscamp, community relations manager. Also, each of the company's 4,300 employees is subject to random drug testing and employees involved in safety-related issues are given a drug test within hours of any incident, he said.
Pubdate:
July 23, 2003
Copyright: 2003 Evening Post Publishing Co.
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