Drug Testing Reduces Workplace Injuries in Construction Industry
In the past two decades, workplace drug testing and drug-free workplace programs have grown exponentially. A major driving force to this increase is the legislative requirements for employees in the nuclear, petrochemical and transportation sectors to be tested prior to employment and under various circumstances throughout their employment. An outgrowth of drug testing employees in these positions is the testing of construction workers.
Construction companies that test for drugs appear to have a reduction of workplace injuries, according to the study, “Evaluation of Drug Testing in the Workplace: Study of the Construction Industry.” The study examined the effectiveness of drug testing of construction company employees in making the workplace safer.
The study looks at the construction industry and the impact a drug-free workplace program has on the reduction of injury incident rates and related workers’ compensation ratings. Statistically, construction has the highest percentage of problem drinkers, with nearly one in seven workers in this field having a serious alcohol problem. The use of alcohol and other substances while at the worksite greatly influences a person’s ability to perform job functions safely. With a large number of high-risk and safety-sensitive positions within the construction industry, there is an increase in the likelihood for work-site accidents and injury.
Data for the study was collected through a survey which was sent to a randomly selected national sample of officials at construction companies. The data examined included injury incident rates compiled over a five-year period. The study shows that the implementation of a drug-free workplace program directly influences a reduction in injury incident rates and workers’ compensation, reducing the amount for workers’ compensation premiums. Other findings of the study include:
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The average company that drug tests in the study sample experienced a 51 percent reduction in its injury rate within two years of implementing a drug-testing program from a rate of 8.92 incidents per 200,000 work-hours to 4.36 incidents. The difference was proven statistically significant when compared to the 14 percent decline in the average construction firm during the same time period. |
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As a result of fewer job site accidents and injuries, the average company that drug tests in the study sample experienced an 11.41 percent reduction in its employees’ compensation. Firms that did not drug test experienced no decline. This means that companies that drug test can save substantially on their employer liability premiums. |
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Drug testing is most effective in reducing accidents in the first three years immediately following the implementation of a program. |
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The number one reason why employers in the construction industry drug test their employees and job applicants is to promote the safety of their workers and those who use their products and services. In addition, company officials believe that drug testing contributes positively to a company’s image and is an effective deterrent in preventing drug abuse. |
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The number one reason why some employers in the construction industry do NOT drug test their employees and job applicants is a concern for increased legal liability. |
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Larger construction companies are significantly more likely to test workers for drugs and alcohol. |
Construction News reported (October 2006) that Laing O’Rourke dismissed 10 percent of workers who took random drugs tests during the year because they failed them. Meanwhile, a recent survey revealed that alcohol consumption was a problem in 90 per cent of businesses.
Whilst many regarded this as a minor problem affecting only a handful of employees, 17 percent of businesses described it as a ‘major problem’. Concerns in order of priority were:
• Loss of productivity and poor performance
• Lateness and absenteeism
• Safety concerns
• Effect on team morale and employee relations
• Bad behaviour or poor discipline
• Adverse effects on company image and customer relations
In some industries alcohol and drug use is commonplace. Alcohol affects an individual’s judgement, motor control, concentration, vision and co-ordination. Consuming even small amounts of alcohol prior to or while performing ‘safety sensitive’ work does lead to an increase in the risk of accidents. Workers in the construction industry are six times more likely to be killed at work than other workers.
If a person drinks two pints of ordinary strength lager at lunchtime, they could still have alcohol in their bloodstream four hours later. Similarly, a heavy drinking session may leave a person over the limit by the following morning. Even blood alcohol concentrations lower than the drink drive limit can still affect co-ordination, reaction times, judgement and perception.
Due to our own biological sensitivities the effects of drugs (alcohol is the most commonly abused in the UK) vary significantly between individuals. Heavy or prolonged drug use over time results in a build up of tolerance whereby the body no longer responds in the way it initially responded, and it requires larger and larger quantities to achieve the same level of response achieved initially. The physical and behavioural symptoms of drug use can be much less apparent in these people. Even occasional users pose a problem to employers as the effects of certain drugs can last for days after taking the drug.
Duties of the Employer
Breaches of health and safety law are breaches of criminal law and can result in fines, imprisonment or even both. Employers have a duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety and welfare of its employees and to ensure that others, including contractors and members of the public, are not exposed to risks. If you are a Manager or Director and you knowingly allow an employee under the influence of alcohol or drugs to continue working and they place themselves or others at risk YOU could be prosecuted. There is further legislation in the Transport industry whereby operators of certain transport systems (including aviation, railways, trams etc) would be guilty of a criminal offence unless they could demonstrate that all due diligence had been applied in attempting to control the risk associated with substance abuse. Employers should also be informed that the possession and/or of controlled drugs (as classified under The Misuse Of Drugs Act) by an employee is a criminal offence punishable with imprisonment. Furthermore if employees are “sharing” their drugs whilst at work, e.g. passing round a cannabis joint, the law will classify these people as drug dealers and the employer will also be criminally liable if they knowingly permit work premises to be used for this activity.
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