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| Risk Management |
| White Collar Workers:Are They Drug Tested Less? |
While research consistently shows the indiscriminate nature of substance abuse, outdated workplace attitudes may be hindering efforts to reduce drug and alcohol abuse among workers.
According to a study conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the professions that test most frequently for drug use are:
- trucking (45.5%)
- air transportation (40.8%)
- utilities and sanitary (35.9%)
- transportation (33.5%)
- groceries (28.7%)
Some of the lowest rates of drug testing are found in:
- legal services (2.2%)
- a grouping that includes colleges, universities, business schools and others (2.5%)
- elementary and secondary schools (3.8%)
- “other” personal services (3.9%)
- a grouping of business management and consulting, advertising, and personnel (4.5%)
Clearly these figures show a greater propensity to test blue collar versus white-collar employees. It’s hard to say whether there’s a bias or simply a misunderstanding of the problem.
According to the federal government, 65% of the people who use drugs earn at least $25,000 per year. According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, work roles with little or no supervision, and those characterized by high mobility, are associated with increased rates of problem drinking. In other words, the fact that you hire predominantly white-collar workers does not substantially decrease the possibility that your employees are abusing drugs.
Consult with our Human Resources Department if you are concerned about possible drug abuse among your employees, but remember that suspicion of abuse needs to be carefully documented, and drug testing can only be performed within the guidelines of previously set company policy.
Source: Great American Insurance Companies
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