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Why employers should not drug test?
Drug testing at work could fail to take into account the mental health problems of people with addictions. Rather than being offered the appropriate treatment, people who test positive on drug tests are at risk of being fired without compensation and may be ineligible for welfare or other social assistance.
Why would you refuse a drug test?
Employees may refuse to take a workplace drug test – but they can also be fired for that refusal. An employer only needs to demonstrate they had good reason to believe someone was a safety hazard or was unable to perform their job. The employer’s written policy is key in this situation.
Can I get sacked for failing a drug test?
Depending on your company’s policy, failing a drug test could lead to disciplinary action or you being dismissed. If your company has a zero tolerance policy to drugs, just the positive test could be seen as ‘gross misconduct’ and you could be dismissed immediately or suspended while there is an investigation.
Should I refuse a drug test?
You have the right to refuse a drug test, and the employer has the right to refuse you a job on that basis. State laws may impose some procedural rules on how an employer tests. For example, the employer may have to use a certified laboratory or give you an opportunity to explain a positive result.
Are random drug tests really random?
Random testing is meant to be carried out in a truly random way. Each employee will need to have an equal chance of being tested, and there should be no bias based on how these employees are performing at the time.
What should I say if I fail a drug test?
Common excuses for failing a drug test
- It must have been something I ate.
- I kissed my boyfriend after he smoked a joint.
- My dentist gave me something strong for a sore tooth.
- I ate a lot of poppy seed muffins for breakfast.
- I failed because of second-hand marijuana smoke.