It is an employer’s responsibility to create a healthy work environment that keeps employees safe and productive, but many companies make drug testing mistakes that could be expensive and potentially fatal. Employers should avoid these mistakes when testing for alcohol and drugs: Not having a written drug and alcohol policy; not having clearly defined rules for when to administer drug tests; limited or unsuitable types of drug tests; failing to order a drug test after witnessing suspicious behavior; vaguely defined consequences for failing a drug test; not informing staff of changes or not documenting their acceptance, and generic drug and alcohol policies.
