Drug Testing in the Workplace

Drug testing in the workplace is a rising issue amongst many American businesses. The question being arose, “Is drug testing necessary in the workplace?” This presentation go’s further into this topic and examines both the positives and negatives of this important issue. First, this will ask and answer the question, “Why drug testing?” Second, this will examine the positives and negatives of drug testing. Finally, this will look further into the direct and overall costs of drug testing in American businesses overall and the average for a fortune 500 company.
A major question being posed in today’s economy and business world is, “Is drug testing necessary?” Drug abuse in the workplace allegedly cost American businesses as much as $60 to $100 billion each year according to Taking Sides, 9th ed. The safety of the work environment is also put at risk if drug testing is not preformed. Along with safety, there is a cost to hiring drug users as well. Employees who use drugs are more likely to cause the company high turnover rates, high absenteeism for drug users, and the extra disciplinary actions whether it be counseling programs, addiction programs, or mass seminars for all employees so they are knowledgeable on the procedures to take and signs to notice if a co-worker is using drugs. The United States department of Labor presents information on drug testing and policies that are for public and private businesses. Overall, drug testing promotes a positive work environment, increases safety, and expands team cohesion.
Drug testing in the workplace also has negatives and can possibly lead to the following problems: abandonment of effective and less problematic approaches, programs may focus on drug abuse and divert attention from alcohol abuse, be used to intimidate employees, mistaken identification as substance abusers of employees and applicants who do not have drug or alcohol problems, discrimination against employees with medical problems, and may infringe on the employees private lives. These potential problems listed are just a few presented in the article Drug and alcohol testing in the workplace – objectives, pitfalls, and guidelines, by Schottenfeld (1989). Drug testing has its positives and negatives and everyone should be knowledgeable on this topic.
The final point to look at when analyzing drug testing in the workplace is the cost. As many as 50 million drug tests are performed each year in the United States, generating a revenue of about 1.5 billion a year. Each drug test performed costs approximately $12 to $30 per test. This number varies depending on the size of the company and the extent to what you would like to test. A typical test tests for these five substances: 1) Amphetamines, 2) Cannabinoids, 3)Cocaine, 4) Opiates and 5) Phencyclidine. Employers can have this more substances added to the list. Alcohol is almost always a given to check for along with other drugs. Many businesses have decided to cut funding in their drug testing program because of the costs in today’s society.
While many college students in Business and Professional Speaking, spring 2010 semester, will be looking for jobs in the near future, drug testing in the workplace is an issue that everyone should be aware of and know where they stand on the topic. A person must consider the work environment and safety of their workplace if the company opts not to drug test or if they do drug test. Drug testing many seem like a small side note while looking at the big picture of the organization you would like to potentially work for, but this issue will be very prevalent in all business settings and if one person is involved, everyone is involved!





References
Current, W. F. (2002). Cut costs and increase safety with pre=employment drug testing. Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Health and Society (9th ed.). 60-63. New York: State University of New York College at Brockport.
Drug free workplace policy builder: section 7: drug testing. United States Department of Labor, http://www.dol.gov/elaws/asp/drugfree/drugs/screen92.asp. Accessed on 29 March, 2010.
Schottenfeld, R. S. (1989). Drug and alcohol testing in the workplace – objectives, pitfalls, and guidelines. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 15(4), 413-415.
Sullum, J. (2002). Urine – or you’re out. Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Health and Society (9th ed.) 64-75. New York: State University of New York College at Brockport.

Caitlin
Killoran
13779 28th Street South
Buffalo, ND 58011
701.371.3300
Caitlin.Killoran@ndsu.edu


OBJECTIVE _______
Seeking a summer internship at MeritCare Health Systems that will give me great field experience that relates to my majors of Health Communication and Management Communication.

EDUCATION________________________________________________________________________
North Dakota State University Fargo, ND
Bachelor of Science Degree
Double Major in: Health Communication and Management Communication May, 2011
Dean’s List (Spring 2009)
GPA: 3.196

EXPERIENCE_______________________________________________________________________
August 2009 – Present Clinique Fargo, ND
Clinique Associate Consultant
· Display leadership working with other consultants during high volume times
· Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills working one-on-one with clients
· Display strong work ethic by willing to fill in as needed
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April 2008 – August 2009 Macy’s Incorporated Fargo, ND
Sales Associate – Clinique Consultant
§ Showed initiative excelling in commissioned areas by achieving daily sales goal
§ Worked as a team member organizing floor schematics and displays
§ Communicated effectively with customers by providing outstanding customer service
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May 2007 – June 2008 Eventide – Sheyenne Crossings West Fargo, ND
Certified Nursing Assistant, Assisted Living Center
§ Assisted in the care of individuals needing specialized care
§ Utilized organizational skills assisting in meals and activity schedules
§ Exhibited initiative by becoming certified to distribute medications to tenants
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May 2006 – April 2007 Sheyenne Care Center Valley City, ND
Certified Nursing Assistant, Nursing Home
§ Responsible for both day and evening care for tenants
§ Provided exceptional patient and family care during emotional times
§ Applied technical medical skills when taking vitals and recording fluid intake for residents

COMPUTER PROFICIENCY__________________________________________________________
§ Microsoft Word 2007
§ Microsoft Excel 2007
§ Microsoft Publisher 2007
§ Microsoft Power Point 2007
§ Microsoft One-Note 2007
§ Windows Vista/XP/00

EXTRACURRICULAR INVOLVEMENT________________________________________________
§ Miss North Dakota Teen USA 2005
§ Rosewood on Broadway Volunteer 2008
§ Colgate Presbyterian Bible School Teacher 2004-2006
§ Lamba Pi Eta National Honor Society

First Blog

Well this is my first blog! Nothing to exciting going on around here!

~Caitlin K~