Post-Accident Drug Testing: Rates Climb
Monitoring post-accident drug testing has always been important for employers. Promoting a drug-free workplace increases overall productivity and morale. To keep track of the post-accident drug testing statistics, the experts at Quest Diagnostics have analyzed workplace drug testing data and insights since 1988. You can find these analytics in the Quest Diagnostics Drug Testing Index (DTI).
Starting in the 1980s, employers noticed a decline in positive results for post-accident drug testing after encouraging a drug-free workplace. Recently, however, “Dr. Barry Sample, Senior Director of Science and Technology, Quest Diagnostics, noted that over the past five years, there have been small increases in post-accident positivity rates in urine drug testing that have collectively led to dramatic changes. When reviewed cumulatively, the data shows a significant increase in positive post-accident drug tests for both the federally-mandated, safety-sensitive and U.S. general workforces.”
DTI Data Reveals Post-Accident Drug Testing:
- Has increased “6.2 percent in 2015” “when compared to 2014”
- Is up “30 percent since 2011
- Has risen, over a course of five years, 22% “for safety-sensitive workforce”
Employees should highly consider the threat that drug use has to workplace safety as it is becoming a larger issue within the past five years. Post-accident drug testing occurs after an employee is involved in a workplace accident “and is used as an aid to assess if drugs were a factor in the incident.” It serves as “an important resource for companies, especially those focused on workplace health and safety.”
source: Post-Accident Positivity Climbs Among American Workers
Post-accident drug testing rates are increasing. If these statistics are affecting your workplace, consider partnering with SAP Referral Services. For more information on our SAP program, click here.