Pre Screening and Chain of Custody: The Ramifications

Workplace drug testing is about protection. This protection is meant to guard against both intentional and unintentional injuries on the jobsite. Unfortunately, drug related injuries are often unintentional due to the individual being under the influence of the drug.

In “The Autobiography of an Execution,” David Dow describes his experiences defending death row inmates in the United States. Death row inmates in Texas have very little chance of even delaying the execution date, since Texas executes more than any other state and it covers quite a large area of America. Dow talks about some of his clients, and how they originally put themselves in such a precarious position. Many of the crimes were based upon vengeance for hurt family members or unfaithful spouses, but a significant number of them were drug related crimes, and many of the drug related crimes involved the killer being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and therefore not being in full control of their faculties or reasoning.

Drugs and alcohol take away your ability to correctly judge a situation and avoid ramifications. Employee drug testing gives you a certain amount of control over potential employee drug abuse, avoiding some of the intentional and unintentional consequences which can arise.

So, how unintentional can accidents be?

Well, as it turns out, everything is pretty intentional. The choice to abuse drugs or alcohol is fully conscious and premeditated. There is no way that you cannot choose to initially abuse either type of substance or Recalibration Service, and then continue to abuse it. It is completely up to the individual to decide and discern.

In Dow’s book, he described how, even though drugs and alcohol were available to most of the inmates, some of them turned around and repented of their previous actions. However, this change of heart obviously didn’t change their sentence, and his role as the attorney for these death row inmates was merely to delay execution for as long as possible. Hope lasted for thirty day increments since delays often only lasted a month.

Whatever your thoughts on preserving and giving up the rights to the sanctity of life, it is obvious that many of these atrocious crimes were committed while the people in question were unable to use their own sane judgment about what to do and how to react. 

Choice Theory and the Workplace

This article is based upon Choice Theory: A New Psychology of Personal Freedom by Dr. William Glasser. It is an excellent read and is highly recommended for both business owners and individuals suffering from emotional blocks in their personal lives.

The basis for Dr. Glasser’s psychology is personal choice and the fact that we choose everything in our lives, with no exception. He discusses each of our varying needs for power, freedom, love and bonding, stability, and fun. He also discusses how our emotions are active choices, not passive occurrences which happen to us. Someone or something does not make us angry, we choose to anger. Circumstances are not frustrating, we choose to frustrate. Dr. Glasser states that defining these terms honestly, in active tense, is instrumental in learning that we choose everything that we feel, believe and act upon and that these personal choices can make or break us, but that they are our choices, not somebody else’s.

Let us practice some of these actively stated emotions with respect to the workplace environment. One of your employees keeps coming in late and you actively choose to frustrate over this. Your quarterly earnings do not meet the projected rates and now you choose to worry. Your marriage is on the rocks and you hate being away from home, so you choose to dissociate and not concentrate on the job at hand. Your life is not how you wanted it to be, and yet you specifically and purposely chose every single thing which led up to your current level of angering.

In addition to changing the realistic description of your emotions so that you recognize how in control you really are, Dr. Glasser also recommends that you think about all of the relationships in your life, romantic, familial and professional. Before you react to someone’s behavior, ask yourself one question, “Will my behavior draw me closer to this person or push me further away from them?” Dr. Glasser describes how attempting to control someone will push them further away and how giving them personal freedom of choice will draw them closer to you. There is a myth that marriage vows and senior executive positions safeguard you from consequences for your actions. Many individuals believe that their marriage gives them room to behave in an inappropriate manner or that their job status gives them security. However, relationships are simply points in space, and both individuals have to show up every day in order to continue having that relationship. There are no invisible bonds keeping either party somehow tied to the other. Even after twenty years of marriage, the decision to show up every day has to be active and mutual.

Threats, cajoling, excuses, downsizing irresponsible behavior, lack of responsibility and abusive attitudes all actively work to threaten your company and your relationship with your company employees. Good management will override the need for less professional behavior. Drug and alcohol testing will strengthen the relationships with your employees and create a positive working environment. 

Does Drug Free Workplace Cleanliness Affect Overall Substance Abuse?

Drug Free Workplace

Is it really true that cleanliness is next to holiness? Well, it may not make any of us any more righteous that we were before, but it sure contributes to important issues like safety, morale and confidence.

In research performed by Michael O’Toole, he examines how employee perception of safety is crucial to an organizational culture. Companies which have limited funds available to deal with on-the-job injuries are trying to find ways in which they can organize and manage smarter, in more effective ways. It was found that injury rates were tied to the management’s commitment to safety, which in turn impacted employee perception of safety. Not only were work-related risks increased, but production decreased and efficiency decreased, which were both related to employee perception of lack of safety. These findings support the fact that management should consider drug and alcohol testing more than just company protocol, but also a part of safety procedures.

Cleanliness contributes to two measures of satisfaction: safety and aesthetic appeal. Arthur Brief and Howard Weiss state that the drug free workplace and how it appears affects the attitudes of the employees. This is not just how their mindsets are directly affected, but also how the employees think of the company itself, how it is set up and how they view the upper management. It is based partly upon aesthetic appeal, but also on spacious areas and light colors, which especially affect mood during the winter months and when the employee works long hours.

Brief and Weiss also discuss how influences in the workplace drug test are two-sided. Not only does the organizational structure affect the moods of the employees, but employees’ moods also affect the company. Therefore, it is vital to maintain excellent management-staff relations, not only for the sake of the staff, but also for the sake of everyone. Reactions, disbursement, temperaments, feelings of well-being, and creativity are all a part of the company atmosphere and organizational standard.

Substance abuse testing and cleanliness are one and the same. They each contribute to the internal health of the organization. Any company cannot base their success solely upon revenue. People (both staff and customers), creativity, innovation, acceptance and bonding, workplace environments, and healthy communication are all factors in a strong organization.

Devote time and energy to drug and alcohol testing, as well as to cleanliness. They are interrelated and both provide useful services to your business. Call CMM Technology for drug and alcohol testing equipment today: +618-9204-2500.

Can Drug and Alcohol Screening in Your Business Save You Money?

Drug Test Kits

Drug and alcohol testing is not always seen as entirely cost-effective. However, it is quite financially efficient. Logically speaking, employees under the influence of illicit substances have consistently lower levels of productivity. Even small areas of low productivity can significantly affect an entire organization. When one part of the business is sluggish, it slows down the remaining departments. In addition to this, better pre-employment strategies, such as drug screening, was found to save a test organization up to $162 per applicant hired among a test group of 2533 applicants, in a study by Zwerling, Ryan and Orav.^[1]

In another research project, the total annual loss of productivity due to drug and alcohol abuse was estimated at $100 billion.^[2] The research states that two factors have been the leading cause for using urinalysis for drug testing: the growing demand for drug testing in the workforce, and technical developments in drug testing methods, which allow for easier, more widespread and more cost effective testing. At this point, reliable, low-cost testing equipment is necessary and would prevent individual organizations from losing money on their testing programs, rather than increasing income because of them.

Employees under the influence have consistently low levels of job retention. The organization must foot the bill for high employee turnover. Not only does low job retention affect the organization as a whole, but it affects coworkers who retain steady, reliable, trustworthy employment. In a study conducted by David Parish,^[3] it was determined that a minimum of 10% higher rate of employee turnover occurred in drug-positive workers than in their negatively-tested counterparts, and that drug-positive office staff were significantly more likely to be fired or to leave without notice than the managerial staff. Organizations are less likely to be able to retain high quality workers when pre-employment testing is not maintained, and office staff is more likely to have a high employee turnover rate than staff in a more professional or managerial capacity, although management also tested positive. This was to a lesser degree, but the difference in drug-positive testing between upper and lower management was not considered due to less usage, but to the lower echelon staff receiving more frequent evaluations from which they could be fired.

At CMM Technology, we offer steady, consistent alcohol and drug testing equipment and training, at an affordable and easily serviceable price. Our services will reduce the stress environment in your business, as well as remain cost-effective.

For expert assistance on a quality workplace drug testing solution, contact our team of industry professionals today on (+618) 9204 2500.

1. “JAMA — Abstract: Costs and Benefits of Preemployment Drug Screening, January 1, 1992, Zwerling et al. 267 (1): 91.” JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association, a weekly peer-reviewed medical journal published by AMA. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2010. http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/267/1/91.

2. “NCJRS Abstract – National Criminal Justice Reference Service.” National Criminal Justice Reference Service. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2010. http://www.ncjrs.gov/App/Publications/abstract.aspx?ID=132364.

3. Parish, David C.. “Relation of the Pre-employment Drug Testing Result To Employment Status: A One-year Follow-up.” SpringerLink.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2010. www.springerlink.com/content/b442n8x8373164w6/fulltext.pdf.

What’s a Saliva Drug Test?

Drug Test, Drug Testing

With the prevalence of drug and alcohol use within society, there’s been a corresponding call by occupational safety experts and businesses to address the matter in a satisfactory way. In ‘high risk’ industries such aviation, mining and construction, the call to eliminate or reduce risks caused by intoxication or drug induced impairment is a very real health and safety concern of critical importance. To date, the most effective method (from both a deterrent and detection standpoint) is the workplace drug and alcohol testing program.

In many workplaces throughout the world, the traditional method for drug and alcohol testing consists of urine testing. However, with the advent of state-of-the-art technology and a more educative as opposed to punitive approach towards breaches of workplace protocol, less invasive methods of detection have increased in use: one such method being the saliva drug test.

The saliva drug test (also called an oral fluid or a mouth swab test), is an increasingly popular method of detection by many Unions and employees. A commonly cited reason for its preferred status is that its limited detection window (which only extends to very recent drug use), contrasts with traditional urine drug test which can detect a history of drug use that reaches back for many weeks or even months in the case of cannabis. Another reason for the popularity of this methodology, is due to the simplicity of this new technology and to the much simpler, more cost-effective and comparatively easy to deploy method of implementation: as no advanced medical knowledge or urine testing units are required to collect samples, most staff can, in fact, competently manage their workplace drug test program without a nursing or medical qualification. However, most countries do require that authorised collectors receive accredited training.

Overall, some of the key advantages of the saliva drug test (to traditional forms of drug and alcohol detection methods) include:

• Simple application

• Procedures are less disruptive for normative workplace operations

• Screening results are obtained within minutes

• ‘Down time’ for employees is minimised

• Less resistance by unions and employees on the grounds of privacy invasion and intrusive detection methodology

• Only recent drug use or exposure is identified

• Cost-effective testing method

• Collection process is observed from start to finish: this prevents sample collections being tampered, diluted, substituted or adulterated

• Testing process can be conducted wherever necessary: from remote work sites to other places of employment, thereby causing minimal disruption to workplace business

• In most countries, the process is fully supported by laboratory confirmation of ‘presumptive positive’ results. In this way, employees are not required to provide additional samples for analysis.

For more information about the workplace saliva test, contact CMM Technology™ today on (+618) 9204 2500 or visit www.cmm.com.au. As a leading drug and alcohol testing supplier and professional service provider, they’re your first choice industry expert. Providing a comprehensive selection of quality saliva testing technology, you can be confident in receiving only the best available technology. Moreover, CMM Technology’s professional services (such as consultation, accredited training, online product training) provide additional expert support.

Lion AlcoBlow® – a fully portable, handheld professional breathalyser

Lion AlcoBlow

An effective method for monitoring your workforce’s alcohol intake is by utilising alcohol detection technology. At CMM Technology, we offer a wide variety of alcohol testing products which can accurately determine the level of alcohol in the human breath.
One of most advanced and simple to use, state-of-the-art, digital handheld breathalysers, is the Lion AlcoBlow. This fully portable, handheld professional breathalsyer is recommended for use by authorised collectors and security personnel in the workplace. Other industry applications suitable for this unit include: mining; correction facilities; and education establishments.

What makes this device a sensible and practical choice for your workplace drug and alcohol testing program is its simple operation features and lightweight design. Consequently, training requirements are minimal and the Lion AlcoBlow can be operated at multiple sites as necessary. The Lion AlcoBlow can also be used as an alternative or in addition to fixed breathalyzer wall units that are held at one site.

Another good reason why the Lion AlcoBlow is a popular choice for most businesses and organisations is that each test is performed at a low cost. For example, unlike conventional alcohol breath testing instruments, the Lion AlcoBlow makes no physical contact with the subject. This means there are no disposable mouthpieces (which are an additional cost consideration for comparable units).

Listed below are additional key product features which make the Lion AlcoBlow breathalyser unit an excellent choice for your workplace drug and alcohol testing program, including:

• Easy functions: two button control to enable easy operation and readings.

• Fast readings: to enable the collector/supervisor to determine whether a driver or employee has ingested any alcohol in his or her body – literally, within seconds.

• Accurate analysis: the Lion fuel cell sensor ensures high specificity to alcohol.

• Durability: the unit has a long, stable working life.

• Easy to read display: the subject’s alcohol level is shown on a single LED.

• Meets AS3547 Australian Standard.

Alternatively, you can contact the expert CMM Technology Team to further discuss your needs and our other breathlayser ranges on (+618) 9204 2500.

Drug Test Kits

Alcohol Test

At CMM Technology, we offer one of Australia’s largest ranges of workplace drug and alcohol testing equipment. Our comprehensive services and products cater for all industry sectors, including: mining, transport, aviation, engineering, maritime, construction and many others. We also provide quality products, training and policy consulting and advice engineered for the Australian market and to Australian Standards. This helps our clients achieve a far safer workplace, exercise their duty of care and meet their OHS legal compliance obligations. The importance of these objectives is reaffirmed by the following statistics:

According to Work Safe Australia, the latest published estimate for compensated workplace injuries (i.e. serious claims category) totaled 134,105 during 2006-07. In the same financial period, a tragically high figure of 232 compensated workplace fatalities were recorded in Australia.

The ABS published an even greater workplace incidents total of 457, 603 recorded for 2005-2006.

Aside from the primary focus of creating Drug Free Workplace, a secondary benefit realised when instituting CMM Technology’s risk management systems are cost savings. Essentially, by minimising workplace injures, your business can save on their insurance premiums and other related costs. In fact, workers compensation (in addition to employee salaries) is one of the biggest workplace-related costs for Australian employers. For example:

Approximately $6.3 billion was paid to workers compensation schemes during 2007-08.

The Federal Government estimated the cost of work-related injury and disease to workers, their employer, the community and the Australian economy amounted to $57.5 billion during 2005-2006 (equivalent to 5.9 per cent gross domestic product).

With these sobering statistics in mind, it is vital that managers, OHS professionals and business owners approach health and safety issues proactively and consistently. Our helpful and knowledgeable staff can assist you with deciding what instruments and Alcohol Test services are conducive to making your workplace safer, more efficient and more profitable.

With our team of experts and professional assistance, your business can greatly improve its risk management processes, cultivate a culture of compliance and elevate individual performance all vital elements to forging a strong competitive advantage for your business.

OHS Training And Drug Free Workplace

Breathalyser Recalibration Service

It has become a truism almost to state that workplace safety is an important issue for the employee, employer and the community. And yet, despite the best of intentions, many workplaces still fall far short of implementing quality risk management systems. Even in workplaces that have a dedicated OHS department and head, the commitment required to sustain quality OHS programs within a changing and demanding business environment can prove ineffective without proper protocols and external checking mechanisms that ensure an OHS system’s maintained integrity, cohesion and currency. In addition to these concerns, the complexity of OHS law and evolving legislation ensure that OHS managers and business owners (across a spectrum of  industries), have laid before them a daunting task of deciphering OHS law and Standards as well as a great legal responsibility with regard to implementing them in the most practical, economical and streamlined way.

It is for these reasons that OHS related training and professional development should be viewed as the cornerstone to ensuring quality deployment of OHS systems. Properly managed with adequate and ongoing professional support, workplace OHS policy and protocols can certainly make a great difference with regard to: minimising tragic and costly safety risks and accidents, improving employee wellbeing, safeguarding the community, elevating individual workplace performance and boosting profits. In this way, as an OHS professional, HR Manager and business owner, regular training and guidance on industry best practices and OHS legislation is your key to exercising ethical and sound business acumen.

Along with VETAB accredited training, there are many complementary organisations and peak bodies that convene regularly with members and offer professional advice to help guide and design practical ways of implementing OHS legislation, including: Workplace Safety Australia, The National Workplace Safety Summit and CMM technology. Through active participation in OHS training and professional organisations (such as those offered by the aforementioned), businesses can more effectively integrate comprehensive OHS planning into their core business strategy, business systems and processes. Overall, the benefits associated with continuing professional development in OHS include:

• Understanding what currently constitutes quality and ongoing risk assessment management and response in your industry (to safeguard employee health and safety in the drug free workplace).

• Being informed of and actioning your legal responsibilities and duty of care.

• Proactively promoting a culture of compliance.

• Proactively promoting a positive organisational culture and fostering EAP programs that support employee wellbeing.

• Gaining understanding into how effective OHS strategies can enable improved productivity and the reduction of claims.

• Designing strategies that offer real solutions to minimise areas of high occupational safety risks, including: falls and hits by moving objects, fatigue and stress management, workplace drug and alcohol breaches, manual handling, working at heights and occupational diseases.

With the right OHS training and professional guidance, Australian businesses can be far better equipped to face the modern challenges of the new global and competitive business environment. Talk to our team of experts today to see how CMM Technology can help you navigate your business.