What To Expect From Workplace Drug Testing
Drug testing is all too common, and just about any company can test employees for drugs, although if you are applying to work in the aviation, security or defense industries, it is required. If you are applying for a state or Federal position, you can almost certainly expect to be tested for drugs, and many schools, hospitals, and medical facilities also require it.
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Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do about drug testing, although it helps to understand the process. Testing is commonly carried out as part of the hiring process, and the policy is clearly advised on the application, on the job posting, or at orientation and you will need to sign a form to indicate that this is acceptable. If you don't pass the drug test, you may not be offered the job.
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Random drug testing is also a common practice of many employers, and although you may go years without being chosen to be tested, you have to be prepared for it. And you should be prepared to be tested by your employer if you have an accident in the workplace, if your performance is not what it should be, and if you are being considered for promotion. Your employer can't force you to take a drug test, although if you don't, you can lose your job or face some sort of disciplinary action.
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The most common type of drug testing is the urine test, where you simply have to pee in a bottle. Browsing online will give you various ways to pass the test, although the only sure way is to not have taken drugs for at least a few weeks ahead of time. Other testing methods can include a hair follicle test, blood test, and saliva test.
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Always tell your employer if you take any prescription medication, as this can cause you to fail the drug test; it's better to tell them ahead of time, rather than let them know this after you failed the test. Check with your company's HR department or your state's department of labor if you have any questions or concerns about their drug testing policy.