Employee Screening: Ensuring Healthy and Safe Work Environment
As an employer, the well-being of your employees is of utmost importance. It ensures a healthy and safe working environment. In this era of growing addiction, it becomes even more significant to conduct healthcare employee screening accurately and regularly. Drug and alcohol abuse not only affects the employee’s work performance but also puts their colleagues and workplace at risk. This article will provide comprehensive information about different types of healthcare employee screenings; including drug testing and training.
1. Types of Drug Tests:
Employers conduct many types of drug tests, depending on their needs, budget, and industry. The most common types of workplace drug tests are the 10-panel drug test and the 5-panel drug test. These tests detect the presence of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, opioids, and phencyclidine (PCP). Employers can also conduct urine, hair, and saliva tests to detect drug use. The 5-panel drug test is a standard test; it tests for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, phencyclidine (PCP), and opiates. On the other hand, the 10-panel drug test adds benzodiazepines, methadone, methaqualone, barbiturates, and propoxyphene to the standard test. Employers can also conduct non-DOT (Department of Transportation) drug tests that mimic the DOT drug screen. Many healthcare employers also test for healthcare employee abused drugs such as Fentanyl, Meperidine, Tramadol and many others.
2. Types of Drug & Alcohol Supervisor Training:
Employers can take a step further after conducting drug tests by administering Drug and Alcohol Supervisor Training. It enforces drug testing and supports the supervisors in handling drug-related issues. The training helps the supervisors in recognizing and monitoring drug use, evaluating employees, and maintaining a safe workplace. Employers can choose between online training courses and in-person training. This is one of the most important parts of drug testing due to the supervisors being on the front line and recognizing those who could possibly be abusing drugs and making the workplace less safe.
3. Detection Times:
Drug detection depends on the type of drug test, the type of drug used, and how often the employee uses that drug. For instance, urine tests detect the presence of drugs in the body for 24-48 hours; however, a hair follicle test can detect drugs for as long as 90 days. It is recommended to conduct random drug and alcohol testing to maintain a drug-free working environment.
4. Titer Testing
Healthcare employers must have titers performed on employees to make sure they have the necessary titers to be employed in the healthcare setting. These titers and other screening can be tested: Hepatitis A, B and C, Varicella, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, TB (Spot test or Transferrin Gold blood test) and many others.
5. The Significance of Employee Drug Testing:
Healthcare employee screening, specifically drug testing, serves various purposes for an organization, its employees, and customers. Firstly, it enables employers to identify substance abuse problems and help their employees seek support. Secondly, it ensures a safe environment, reducing the chance of drug-related incidents. Thirdly, it can detect misuse of prescription drugs, ensuring compliance with company policy as well as legal regulations. Fourthly, it creates a trust-based work environment, which is essential to meet business goals.
6. How Employers Can Implement Employee Drug Testing:
There are several ways by which employers can conduct employee drug testing. Firstly, through employing an in-house professional screening team. Secondly, by partnering with a third-party screening expert. Lastly, using drug testing kits to initially screen for drug use. Though it depends on the budget and intent of the employer what option suits their organization best. You can contact Workplace Screening Intelligence as we are experts in Employee Healthcare screening. Contact our knowledgeable Support Staff today at 844-573-8378 or support@workplacescreening.com
Healthcare employee screening is a crucial aspect of an employer’s effort to maintain a safe and healthy work environment. Drug and alcohol abuse can impair an employee’s efficiency, resulting in decreased productivity and increased risks to the health of their colleagues. Employers need to understand the importance of different types of drug tests, drug and alcohol supervision training, and drug detection times to maintain an effective drug and alcohol testing program. It is imperative that employers implement employee drug testing while complying with legal and ethical guidelines. The primary goal of healthcare employee screening is to ensure employee safety and minimize workplace distraction. If you need assistance with your drug free workplace, titer testing or supervisor training, contact us today at 844-573-8378 or support@workplacescreening.com