A clear policy protects workers and supports insurance and contract requirements.
In this article
Impairment on a jobsite is dangerous
Working at heights, operating equipment and handling power tools require full attention. A drug and alcohol policy protects workers, supports insurance requirements and is often required by owners and public contracts.
Laws vary
State laws on testing and marijuana differ widely, and federal rules apply to some roles, such as DOT-regulated drivers. Have an employment attorney review your policy.
Keep reading — free
The rest of this article is worth the 20 seconds
Tell us where to send it and the full piece unlocks right here, along with everything else on this blog.
Rather just talk? Message us on WhatsApp.
What the policy covers
Prohibited substances, testing situations, consequences and help available.
When to test
Common situations include pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and random testing where allowed.
Reasonable suspicion
Train supervisors to recognize and document signs of impairment.
Post-accident testing
Apply it carefully. OSHA has warned against policies that discourage injury reporting.
Offer help
Employee assistance programs and paths back to work encourage people to seek help.
Apply it consistently
Inconsistent enforcement creates legal risk and resentment.
Subcontractors
Require subs to have their own programs when contracts call for it.
Confidentiality
Keep test results confidential.
Common mistakes
Copying a policy from another state, testing only some employees and having no plan for what happens after a positive result.
An example
A foreman notices a worker stumbling and slurring words near a scaffold. Following the policy, he removes the worker from the task, documents what he saw and calls the office, which arranges a test and a safe ride home.
Where to start
Review your current policy with an employment attorney in your state, train supervisors on reasonable suspicion and make sure every employee signs the policy. Then announce the employee assistance options so the policy is about safety, not only punishment.
Run tighter jobs and win the right ones.
We help construction companies build the systems, online presence and client relationships that bring better projects.
Frequently asked questions
Can construction companies drug test employees?
Often yes, but state laws differ widely and some roles fall under federal rules. Have an employment attorney review your policy.