 
The "ideal" policy would be one that has been put into written form and shared
with all employees before it is implemented. An ideal policy includes:
(1) an educational component for all employees to
learn about the negative impact that substance abuse could have in their
Workplace and in the personal lives;
(2) training for supervisors to prepare them to deal
constructively with employees who are having performance and/or conduct
problems that may be caused by substance abuse;
(3) access to an employee assistance program for
employees to obtain appropriate treatment for substance abuse or other kinds of
problems that may be affecting their performance and/or conduct; and
(4) when appropriate, a drug testing component that
is based on reliable and accurate scientific and technical procedures such as
the Federal Government Drug-Free Workplace Program required under Executive
Order 12564 and PL 100-70.
When considering the make up of your Drug-Free
Workplace program, keep in mind that studies have shown such a program is
ineffective if it is solely a program of drug testing. These studies have shown
that drug testing is only effective when it is combined with an employee
education component and access to substance abuse counseling and treatment for
abuse problems.
Finally, if your employees are represented by a union
and/or covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the implementation of the
Drug-Free Workplace policy may be subject to negotiation.
|
