Employers face a much different landscape for drug testing once leaving U.S. borders. What works here may not necessarily work in other countries, and in fact, could result in sanctions or legal action. Before beginning international operations, be aware of the legal landscape of the countries in which you will operate.
Pre-employment screening is permissible in some countries, but is strictly limited in others. In fact, drug and alcohol testing is strictly limited in most European countries, as well as many other countries around the world, including countries as diverse as Chile, Colombia, and South Africa.
Although drug and alcohol testing requirements vary by country, there are some common-sense protections for all employers to consider implementing:
Source: Fisher & Phillips, LLP
W. Barry Nixon is the COO, PreemploymentDirectory.com the leading background screening information portal and online worldwide directory of professional background screening firms and Suppliers to the background screening industry. He co-authored the landmark book, Background Screening & Investigations: Managing Hiring Risk from the HR and Security Perspective. He also is the publisher of award winning newsletters, The Background Buzz and The Global Background Screener, and the author of the Background Checks column in PI Magazine.
In addition, Barry is a past recipient of the elite ‘Top 25 Influential People in Security’ by Security Magazine and past Co-Chair, International Committee for the National Association for Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS). He currently serves as a Global Ambassador for NAPBS.
You can contact Barry at 1-949-770-5264 or online at wbnixon@preemploymentdirectory.com