Workplace Drug Abuse Resources and Information

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06/03/2026 | OHS Health & Safety Services |

State Drug Testing Laws, Resources, and Information

OHS Health & Safety Services is proud to offer an array of drug testing services that deliver accurate results quickly and effectively regarding your employees. Our goal is to provide drug screening to employers so they can make educated decisions prior to hiring as well as after the hiring process occurs and on a regular basis.

Our drug testing solutions are easy and confidential and are intended to help promote and create a safe, responsible working environment, no matter the industry.

Why Workplace Drug Testing is Important

Companies spend billions of dollars yearly due to drug and alcohol abuse. These numbers are based on a series of variables including:

  • Workers’ compensation claims
  • Work absences
  • Lower productivity
  • Injuries
  • Increases illness
  • Lethargy
  • Accidents
  • Workplace violence / unpredictable attitude
  • Firing / Quitting
  • Tardiness

These events cost employers more than financial burdens, also time, effectiveness, and trust. It’s critical that companies keep their workplace safe and responsible at all times. Studies have shown that this will ensure higher levels of productivity, morale, and confidence within the workplace.

Benefits of Employee Drug Screening Are:

  • Lower workers’ compensation claims
  • Lower turnaround rates
  • Lower healthcare costs
  • Better and safer workplace environment
  • State and federal regulations are met
  • Fewer accidents and downtime

Having a reliable workplace helps companies manage expectations and goals, and creates a more effective and productive atmosphere.

Drug Test Timing

There are six types of drug tests to keep in mind:

  • Pre-employment drug testing
  • Random drug testing
  • Reasonable suspicion drug testing
  • Post-accident drug testing
  • Return to duty drug testing
  • Follow-up drug testing

OHS Health & Safety Services caters to all of these tests and has the experience and reliability to help your company decide how best to support its drug testing needs. However you choose your timing, we will provide swift and accurate service that gets accurate results quickly.

Drug tests are generally completed by urine testing, hair testing, alcohol testing, or oral fluid testing.

Workplace Drug Testing Statistics

According to the National Drug-Free Workplace Alliance:

  • Marijuana is the most commonly detected drug among all industries
  • The positivity rate in the U.S. general workforce increased from 4.8% in 2015 to 5.1% in 2018
  • Over 74% of illegal drug abusers are employed and cause up to 40% of industrial fatalities in the US

According to Quest Diagnostics:

  • 2018 saw the largest rate in positive drug testing since 2004
  • Positivity rates for heroin dropped by 6% in 2018 and dropped by 7% for cocaine in 2018

According to The National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Dependency

  • 70% of the 14.8 million US drug users are employed

According to the US Department of Justice

  • Up to 50% of workplace accidents are due to drug abuse and addiction
  • Up to 40% of employee theft is due to drug abuse and addiction

Your Drug Testing Policy

Finding the right drug testing policy for your company is a big part of its success. You’ll want to determine who is going to be involved with taking the tests and the frequency and the consequences of a failed drug test.

Be sure to adequately place your rules and guidelines for your employee drug testing policy so all have access to it. You can also hand out individual policies to your employees with durg and alcohol statistics, dangers, and places to seek help.

More information on substance abuse can be found here:

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
  • Partnership to End Addiction
  • National Drug-Free Workplace Alliance
  • NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
  • Drug Facts: Office of National Drug Control Policy

Be sure to train your supervisors on the warning signs of substance abuse and be sure you have easy ways to document any issues. It’s important for your employees to understand that their safety matters to you. Having a clear plan and a controlled, streamlined process is a smart way to instill comfort and confidence in your team.

Below are links to employer workplace safety resources pages regarding workplace drug abuse. We trust that you’ll find this information helpful to create a safer workplace for your company through developing a better understanding of drug use in the workplace and its effect on safety and productivity.