Drug Screening: Safe Way to Minimize Injuries at Construction Sites

It is quite often that the construction site injuries are merely due to the negligence of safety measures and violation of the rules. These injuries may sometimes lead to fatalities and cause much trouble for construction companies as well. However, one-third of these injuries happen when workers are under the influence of drugs.

Operating heavy equipment or carrying out a heavy-duty construction job requires an attentive mind, a healthy physique and active senses. Unfortunately, substance misuse can limit all or one of them causing negligence at the work site. In this scenario, the drug screening of the workers after every while must be compulsory to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

How much drug addiction can damage?

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) has recently revealed in their report that around 16% of construction workers who come for the treatment of injuries are diagnosed with alcohol by the breathalyzer tests. The above-mentioned statistic underscores the widespread occurrence of substance addiction in the sector and its dire implications.

When operators handle heavy equipment under the influence of substances, he wouldn’t be as focused as he needs to be. As a result, he will create risks of danger not only for himself but the people around him and the equipment he is working with. Damage to materials and equipment might result in significant indirect expenses. Therefore, putting in place thorough background checks and drug testing systems must be a top priority for construction companies.

Why background checks and drug testing should be compulsory?

Background checks and drug testing are and it must be the essential parts of a complete safety plan. Construction organizations can detect and manage possible dangers before they become even more dangerous circumstances by carefully screening potential hires and regularly screening current employees. Employers can take prompt action in cases of substance misuse due to the frequent analysis of each employee. This strategy will also help to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all workers on the job.

What benefit does this frequent testing bring?

While the employer at the construction site implements the frequent and regular drug testing schedule, the workers will be alert and will be restricted from going for substance overdoses. This will further help the employer to get:

• Increased productivity
• Decreased accidents and injuries
• Improved company reputation
• A positive work environment
• Encourage youngsters to join the company
• Bring more leads to the construction company

What strategy should companies follow?

Construction or heavy equipment companies must set a rule and policies regarding strict drug testing at their work sites. They should collaborate with a trustworthy screening provider that produces prompt results, follows stringent chain-of-custody guidelines, and offers a range of testing choices.

However, when hiring a new worker, a thorough background check must be ensured and onsite testing would be the best thing. Remind that the prepared lab screening tests might be fake hence the employer must do it at their setting themselves with their lab team.

Furthermore, businesses may join forces with a local, certified Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA). This guarantees that your hiring procedure satisfies all legal standards and safeguards both you and your prospects. Hiring someone who might endanger public safety or harm your company’s reputation is less likely when a robust screening process is implemented.

Creating a safety culture is a must

The technical implementation of drug screening and background checks, along with their capacity to promote a safety culture within the construction industry, are what make them effective. A good program must inform staff members about the company’s drug and alcohol policies, the advantages of a safe workplace, and the options available to assist them if they are experiencing substance abuse problems.

Construction businesses may stand in an environment where safety is not just a collection of rules but a shared value of health and well-being. A seamless and effective hiring procedure benefits your business in many ways. Prospects value an impartial and open hiring process since it fosters confidence and draws in the top candidates. However, the customization according to the particular role, modern platforms make sure you receive accurate information for every hire and not take the wrong ones onboard.

Footnote

Drug testing and background checks are essential for reducing the hazards associated with substance addiction, protecting workers and the integrity of building projects. Construction organizations can promote a safety-conscious culture by incorporating these activities as essential components of their safety plan. They preserve the highest levels of excellence in a sector famous by its dedication to accuracy and quality while safeguarding their most precious asset, their employees.

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