Drug Testing

Workplace Prescription Drug Testing: What Employers Need to Know

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Navigating Workplace Drug Testing in the Age of CBD and Prescription Drugs

The workplace landscape is evolving, with medicinal cannabis and prescription treatments like CBD oil becoming more common among employees. While these treatments offer relief to those who need them, they also raise important questions about workplace drug testing.

Do CBD and THC (its psychoactive counterpart) affect workplace safety? What role do employers have in balancing drug testing policies with employee needs?

This blog explores the complexities of prescription drug use in the workplace and explains how employers can maintain a safe work environment without compromising fairness or compliance.

What Is CBD Oil, and How Does It Impact Testing?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a compound derived from the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, which is the psychoactive compound of cannabis, CBD does not cause impairment. It is often used to manage pain, anxiety, or other health issues, and many pharmaceutical-grade or over-the-counter CBD products are now available globally.

However, not all CBD products are created equal. Some may contain trace amounts of THC that could register on drug tests depending on the product and dosage.

Why Employers Should Understand the Basics

For HR professionals and employers, it’s critical to recognise that CBD products may appear in drug testing results, but this is unlikely unless the treatment contains THC.

A positive drug test result may not necessarily indicate that an employee is using illegal drugs, but rather a prescribed treatment. If an employee tests positive for cannabis and provides proof of a prescription, employers should have policies in place to handle these situations sensitively.

Remember, most medicinal cannabis treatments do not contain THC and therefore do not cause impairment. Our focus is on eliminating impairment and reducing risk to workplace safety, which is why transparency is important to make sure employees and employers are on the same page.

Why Employees Need to Disclose Prescription Drugs

Employees taking prescribed medications, including CBD products, antidepressants and pain relief like codeine and tramadol, need to disclose them beforehand. It’s when the drug is used outside of prescribed amounts that the most risk occurs. The recent death and injury of several passengers was caused by a bus driver who took 400mg of the opioid Tramadol. Drowsiness, mental clouding, and impaired vision are some of the side effects of opioids.

Here’s why encouraging employees to be honest about prescription drug use benefits everyone involved:

Consistency With Test Results

When an employee discloses their medication (such as opioid pain relievers), this is a discussion between the employer and employee. There is still a level of impairment which can affect performance and ultimately safety at work. Amounts that fall outside the prescription allocated will be flagged and can indicate misuse.

Builds Trust

Encouraging transparency nurtures trust between an employer and their staff. Employees who feel supported are more likely to comply with workplace policies.

Protects Businesses From Liability

Accurate disclosure ensures the employer remains compliant with relevant laws, including workplace health and safety obligations.

For employers, setting up clear policies that require employees to disclose prescriptions in confidence is key to avoiding potential legal or operational challenges.

Why Workplace Drug Testing Is Critical

Employers have a responsibility to safeguard their team members and work environments. Workplace drug testing plays a significant role in achieving this. The benefits of implementing robust drug testing policies include:

Preventing Safety Risks

Substance impairment can dramatically increase the likelihood of workplace accidents. Drug and alcohol testing helps mitigate those risks, ensuring all employees are safe.

Boosting Productivity

Drug-free environments foster higher performance levels and reduce absenteeism, helping your team work as effectively as possible.

Protecting Your Business's Reputation

Workplace accidents or drug-related incidents can lead to negative publicity that impacts your brand. Drug testing reinforces a commitment to professionalism and workplace safety.

Ensuring Compliance

Legal compliance is a core benefit of workplace drug testing. Especially in safety-critical industries like construction or logistics, employers are required to minimise potential risks by maintaining a safe, drug-free environment.

Different forms of workplace drug testing can fulfill various needs, such as pre-employment testing, reasonable cause testing, or post-accident testing. These practices provide a practical framework for running safer, more efficient workplaces.

Choosing the Right Drug Testing Solution

For businesses seeking reliable, compliant workplace drug testing, Resultz stands out as a leading choice. We offer a variety of testing methods, including urine, saliva, and hair strand testing, ensuring accuracy while meeting your specific business requirements.

We come to you with our onsite drug testing service, saving you time and minimising disruptions to your daily operations so your team can get back to work quickly.

When it comes to complying with the latest legislation, the Resultz team can work with you to
establish drug and alcohol policies that are compliant with the relevant New Zealand laws, including the Privacy Act, Human Rights Act, and Health & Safety at Work Act.

Our testing results are accurate and fast. With IANZ accreditation, Resultz guarantees accurate, immediate results to aid in clear decision-making when it comes to employee selection or incident investigation.

Implementing drug testing with a trusted provider like Resultz fosters a culture of safety and accountability. This lets employees know they’re working in an environment that values health and well-being.