Drug Screening

You might be wondering why we have included an article on drug screening on our website dedicated to the health and safety of Canadians. Sure, drugs are a definite risk when it comes to health, but odds are reading an article on drug screening won't change the mind of anyone serious about the habit.

The reason why we want to talk about the important of testing for drugs is not so much for the benefit of the user (although, hopefully, a drug user implicated and facing the consequences through a drug testing system will be able to get the help he or she needs) as it is for those who may be affected by the actions of the user.

Primarily, our concern, as far as this website, when it comes to drug use is the safety of other employees of the work place where the individual who takes drugs may be employed. The incidents of employees coming to work stoned are increasingly on the rise, and in some jobs (saw mills immediately spring to mind) this habit can be dangerous indeed. Heavy machinery and drugs just don't mix, and neither does drug use dovetail with the operation of any kind of motor vehicle.

With the safety of workers in mind, then, we recommend that all employers (particularly those in industries where the use of drugs is frequent amongst employees) use drug screening kits both before hiring an employee and with some frequency during the employee's term with the company.

Drug screening is within the mandate of an employer to carry out; once again, it is important to point out that the safety of everyone is at the heart of the issue. The higher the risk on the job the greater danger a person under the influence poses, but no employer should have to put up with an employee who consistently comes to work stoned.