Millions of Americans suffer from alcohol use disorder or alcohol addiction. This not only causes severe familial, societal, and personal problems, but it also creates challenges for employers. Absenteeism, poor productivity, substandard workplace conduct, and safety concerns are some of the problems employers must deal with when an employee has alcoholism. If you suspect an employee is an alcoholic, it’s time to get in touch with a drug and alcohol testing agency.

Attendance and Leave

Employees who are struggling with alcoholism are more likely than others to take an excessive amount of sick leave or personal days. In particular, they’re more likely to be absent from work on Mondays and Fridays. Alcoholics may have frequent tardiness and unauthorized absences. They may also call in at the last minute, requesting leave due to emergencies like car problems, family emergencies, or legal problems. Of course, not every employee who takes sick days has alcohol use disorder. Consider whether there really is a valid reason for the employee’s attendance issues. Perhaps he or she is caring for a family member with cancer, for example, or has a child with autism.

Productivity and Performance

Evaluate employees’ attendance in light of their productivity and performance for a more thorough assessment of potential problems. Employees with alcoholism are more likely to miss deadlines, and to have an arsenal of excuses about why they didn’t complete assignments. Assignments that are completed may be poorly done.

Behavior and Relationships

Alcoholism can strain interpersonal relationships. Employees who abuse alcohol may become short-tempered or even belligerent when interacting with their co-workers. This behavior may be particularly evident during the mornings and after days off. Some telltale signs of alcohol abuse can include:

• Smell of alcohol on the breath during work hours
• Obsessive use of breath mints or gum
• Bloodshot eyes
• Unsteady gait
• Hand tremors

AZC Drug Testing Employee Screening Services is a national provider of drug and alcohol testing, and employee background check services with offices in Tucson, AZ and Phoenix, AZ. Call us at (800) 224-8532 to find out about our full-service drug testing approach for regulated and non-regulated employees.

If you are committed to a drug-free workplace, reasonable suspicion testing could be an important tool. This kind of testing is often challenging for employers and employees alike, but it can play a central role in ensuring that your workplace is safe for everyone. This information will help supervisors use reasonable suspicion drug testing appropriately in their workplaces.

What is reasonable suspicion drug testing?

Reasonable suspicion drug testing—also sometimes called for-cause testing—is performed to determine if drug use has contributed to a situation in the workplace. Depending on the nature of the position, some employers may be required by federal law to conduct employee drug testing for jobs that are safety-sensitive. For other employers, drug testing may be permitted by not required. In Arizona, reasonable suspicion drug testing is allowed at the employer’s discretion. Random drug testing is also allowed.

When should reasonable suspicion testing be performed?

Employers can require reasonable suspicion testing under many different circumstances. Some of the instances in which this kind of testing may be ordered are:

• If an employee appears to be under the influence at work
• If a pattern of unusual behavior at work may be attributed to drug or alcohol use
• To determine if drugs or alcohol were a factor in a workplace injury

Supervisors should be trained on the signs of drug abuse and the circumstances in which reasonable suspicion testing can be used. Workplaces should have clear policies about reasonable suspicion testing that are communicated to employees.

What happens after a reasonable suspicion test?

Typically, employees who undergo this kind of test do not return to work until the results are known. Supervisors should follow their workplace’s policy for dealing with positive tests if the results indicate that drugs were in the employee’s system.

AZC Drug Testing Employee Screening Services is pleased to offer reasonable suspicion testing training for supervisors to ensure policies are applied appropriately in the workplace. To learn more about drug testing in Arizona, call (800) 224-8532. AZC Drug Testing Employee Screening Services is a national provider of drug & alcohol testing and employee background check services with offices in Tucson, AZ and Phoenix, AZ.

You would never get onto a plane if you knew the pilot was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which is one reason FAA drug testing is so important. Yet, most people could still stand to learn about why testing is so important, how to choose the right members for the team, and when to test again. Continue for some FAQs about FAA drug testing.

Why is FAA drug testing important?

The Federal Aviation Administration requires that airlines drug test their employees. This helps keep pilots, passengers, and other staff members safe. Driving under the influence is dangerous, and flying a plane under the influence has the potential to be more catastrophic.

How do I hire the right people?

Your operation can only succeed if you have the right people backing it, and you can choose the right people with the help of drug testing. When you follow the FAA regulations, you can make sure you hire competent and promising individuals. This gives your business a better name and makes your customers feel more satisfied and comfortable.

Do I need to test after accidents?

It makes a lot of sense to drug test your applicants before you make a new hire. This ensures that the people you hire are trustworthy and of sound mind. However, some people stop using drugs just long enough to pass a drug test and gain employment, and then they go back to using. If an accident happens in the workplace, you can test the employees involved to find out if drug use played a role.

If you still have any questions about FAA drug testing, you can always contact the team at Oschmann Employee Screening Services. Drug testing in Arizona is our forte, and it’s our job to make sure everyone on your staff is at the best of his or her abilities. Call us at (800) 224-8532 or look at our website to gain some insight on what we do.

Drug and alcohol testing programs are put into place for the sake of safety, but they might come with hidden benefits as well. This type of testing can keep your passengers safe and your employees healthy, which looks good for your business on numerous levels. Keep reading and learn more about the FAA drug and alcohol testing program.

Keeping Passengers Safe

Flying can be a scary experience for some, even when there’s no real justification for the nerves aside from anxiety. Even if you don’t get anxiety when you fly, you would not be happy to find out that your pilot has a drug or alcohol problem. Part of the reason taking an airplane tends to be so safe is that airline pilots are held to strict standards when it comes to these kinds of issues. A sober pilot means safer and more comfortable passengers.

Maintaining Your Reputation

Workers who have drug and alcohol problems tend to be liabilities. The last thing you want for your business is for people to find out that one of your employees has been working under the influence, especially when it comes to potentially dangerous jobs like flying airplanes. If you want to secure your reputation as a company, your pilots need to undergo FAA drug and alcohol testing programs.

Complying with Regulations

Your business won’t survive if it doesn’t comply with the necessary rules and regulations, and part of doing so is conducting FAA drug and alcohol testing programs. Failing to do so will result in disciplinary action and potentially even a halt in your operations. Have your employees tested for drugs and alcohol to comply with regulations and keep your business moving forward.

Oschmann Employee Screening Services is a national provider of drug & alcohol testing and employee background check services with offices in Tucson, AZ and Phoenix, AZ. If you have any questions about drug testing in Arizona, feel free to call Oschmann Employee Screening Services at (800) 224-8532.