Randomly drug testing

[Steve]

http://www.wheelerlandscaping.com/assets/images/autogen/Home_Nbanner_wheeler.jpg

Wheeler Landscaping (http://www.wheelerlandscaping.com/) now randomly drug tests their 76 employees. Have you ever had any drug problems with your employees? Or have you heard of other lcos that have?

Aiming for a Drug-Free Workplace (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/10/business/10sbiz.html) - “The drug and alcohol issue is a concern for America,” says Mary Wheeler, co-owner of Wheeler Landscaping in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, who began screening job applicants five years ago and now randomly tests her 76 employees. “Until you have a drug-free workplace you don’t realize how prevalent it is.”

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/05/09/business/1sbiz650.jpg

[tiedeman]

Now by randomly testing them, does that mean they only select a certain number every little while?

[S.P.Martin Lawn Care]

Its similar to putting all the names in a hat and pulling out a given number of them consistent with with statistical formulas. Keep doing it on a monthly schedule, not the same day, but any day(s) during the month. Sometimes the same names will get picked, sometimes certain people will never get picked. You want the employees not knowing when the testing will take place in order to keep them clean all the time.

Programs I'm familiar with also allow immediate testing an a individual based on probable cause, IE, shows up stoned with bloodshot eyes, constricted pupils, slurred speech, poor balance, and so on. Highly recommended that language addressing testing and the methods employed are in writing at the time of hire and the employee signs to acknowledge it.

Your state department of labor will be happy to help you set up a program that will stand up to scutiny.

The last thing you need is an employee under the influence operating dangerous power equipment. An accident/liability waiting to destroy your hard work!

[Steve]

Great ideas! Thank you!

[tiedeman]

See, I don't like the random thing. If you are going to test one, test them all.

[Steve]

Maybe it's just cheaper and that is why it's done like that.