Most companies require potential employees to undergo a drug test before finalizing the job offer. This is the policy for well-established and reputable companies, and it is an expected part of the application process for any position.
When a pre-employment drug test is required, the job offer is contingent upon the applicant’s passing the test with a clean result. Here’s what you should know about pre-employment drug testing and who you can turn to for this crucial step in the hiring process.
What Is Tested in Pre-Employment Drug Screening?
Drug testing before an employment offer is final is usually conducted at an offsite healthcare facility. A urine test is the standard type of drug screening specimen and is the one mandated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
The other types of pre-employment drug tests are the saliva test, blood test, and hair test.
A urine drug test can detect a variety of substances that may have been ingested up to five days prior to the test. Cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and opiates are just a few of the illicit drugs that can be detected in a candidate’s urine. The urine can also be screened for other drugs as requested by the employer.
Why a Drug Test Is Important for Employment
Pre-employment drug screening helps companies to mitigate risks, since hiring an applicant who uses drugs is risky and costly. Absenteeism, workers’ compensation claims and possible legal repercussions caused by one errant employee can destroy a small business.
You worked hard to build up your business, but you could lose it all from a single drug-related incident at work. Requiring pre-employment drug screening tests for all employees as your official written policy can help you avoid such an incident from happening.
Pre-Employment Drug Testing Is an Occupational Health Service
Pre-employment drug testing is a specific healthcare service to ensure and maintain occupational health, so this testing cannot be performed at just any clinic. There are certain procedures necessary, such as (in the case of a urine test) requiring that the applicant’s purse or wallet is outside of the restroom and yet in a locked box to ensure security. Most occupational health facilities require that the applicant not flush the toilet or wash their hands until they have opened the door, so the technician can see that there is not an exchange of fluids with the sample.
Companies that work with businesses to provide drug testing for current and potential employees are usually the same companies that also provide workers’ compensation injury care services and evaluations. From physical examinations and on-site screenings to flu vaccinations and lab testing, these occupational health physicians work with employers and employees. These healthcare professionals have specialized knowledge of workers’ compensation insurance issues and the treatment of recordable injuries as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a division of the U.S. Department of Labor.
Occupational Health Services in Grand Junction, Colorado
WorkPartners Occupational Health is here for your company’s occupational health needs of all kinds. Our team of physicians is Level II-accredited by the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation.
We work with many businesses of all sizes for their pre-employment screenings, DOT physicals, drug and alcohol testing, and injury treatment and rehabilitation. If you have an employee who was injured on the job, we will work with you and the employee while facilitating communication between you, the employee, and the insurance carrier.
For more information about our occupational health services or to schedule a screening for a job candidate, call WorkPartners Occupational Health today at (970) 241-5585 or fill out our appointment request form now. We look forward to working with you.
