Essay, Research Paper: Drug Testing In The Workplace

Many employers are now requiring mandatory drug testing for applicants and current employees. Drug use has risen sharply over the past years and employers now need to take further precautions in order to maintain a reputable work environment. I believe this extra precaution will improve the workplace by creating a safer atmosphere, keep integrity and honesty in the staff, and eliminate many illegalities that go along with drug use in the workplace. These qualities would be further infused if drug screenings were mandatory.

First, drug use has been proven to alter judgment, which can create unnecessary hazards. Mandatory drug screenings will therefore create a safer work environment by keeping employees drug free and in an unaltered state of mind. In many jobs, even the slightest mistake could be crucial, or even fatal. Drug use was the cause of 31 percent of all workplace-related death in the past year alone. This percentage could decline immensely if drug use was eliminated.

Subsequently, drug use also creates unfaithfulness between staff and employer. Drugs are an illegal substance and would be used in a surreptitious manner, presumably without the knowledge or consent of the company. Secretive abuse initiates lying and devious behavior. Honesty and integrity should be a foundation; otherwise, work relations could become corrupt.

Next, there are many laws and regulations against drug use in the workplace already. If an employee is found using drugs, there leaves reason to believe the employer did nothing to prohibit him or her to do so. This may instigate that the company itself is not against illegal drug use, or if in the case of accident, the company may be at risk of a lawsuit. Knowing employees are drug free completely eliminates all chances of drug-related lawsuits a company could face.

To conclude, I strongly believe mandatory drug testing would be exceedingly beneficial in the workplace. It would establish a safer atmosphere, keep integrity and honesty in the staff, and eliminate many illegalities that go along with drug use in the workplace. Although a number of employers already require drug testing, I believe it should be enforced in every workplace.