Employers in the state of New Hampshire have the right to carry out drug tests for any reason at any time. Employers should keep this in mind when employing workers. In fact, no matter the industry a business is operating in, pre-employment drug tests are always beneficial, and so are random drug tests. New Hampshire does not restrict workplace drug testing for any reason.
Fortunately, when it comes to drug testing employees, this can be done in an easy manner. It should be noted that when an employer mandates an employee to take a drug test, the associated expenses must be covered by the employer; however, most likely, such expenses will be tax-deductible.
If a worker was to take a drug test and the results came back positive and the person wants to take another one because he or she believes the results provided were a false-positive, then this is perfectly ok but the person may be required to pay for any additional testing.
Benefits of a Drug-Free Workplace
What an employee does during his or her personal time is his or her business; however, when it comes to abusing drugs and alcohol, being that the effects of such substances can linger around for many hours, it is important that such drugs are not abused. If there is a worker in a place of business who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, this could lead to injury to either him or herself, another worker, or even a customer.
In addition to avoiding injuries, there are many benefits to carrying out drug testing in the workplace. For starters, when workers feel safe and comfortable, they will exhibit higher levels of productivity. Both safety and comfort are enhanced through drug testing.
Additionally, drug testing workers means that a company will only have to pay out benefits to them in legit circumstances. For example, if a worker breaks his or her leg at work, then a company will be required to make worker’s compensation payments. However, immediate drug testing should take place, and if it’s discovered that the employee was under the influence of drugs or alcohol when the injury was sustained, this would mean that the company won’t be responsible for making worker’s comp payments.
For worker’s compensation denial, the employer should follow drug-free workplace policy standards. The employer shall not be liable for any injury to a worker which is caused in whole or in part by the intoxication, as defined in rsa 281-a:2, xii-a, or by the serious and willful misconduct of the worker. The provision as to intoxication shall not apply, however, if the employer knew that the employee was intoxicated. Post-accident drug and alcohol testing is critical for the possibility of denying a worker’s comp claim.
Carrying out workplace drug testing also means a business is less likely to employ workers who abuse drugs and/or alcohol. As a result, the business will likely notice a decrease in employee absenteeism. More so, it will be less likely to have employees who are stealing.
What happens when a worker fails a drug test?
Fortunately, it’s completely up to a business as to what happens when a worker fails a drug test. If a person fails a drug test but has a prescription for the drug that showed up as positive, then this isn’t really a failed drug test.
If a company has a worker who adds much value to the business and he or she fails a drug test, the owner may not want to terminate the worker’s employment. If this is the case, the owner has the right to keep the person as a worker, but it will be to everyone’s benefit if the person is at least required to go through some type of treatment program in order to maintain employment.
Unemployment benefits can be denied for a positive drug or alcohol test.
How to drug test employees
There are several ways that a company can drug test its employees. The best way, however, is to have a company that employs highly-qualified individuals to carry out the testing. In fact, for the tests to hold any value in a court of law, they need to be carried out by someone who has been trained to perform them, such as a medical review officer, also commonly referred to as an MRO.
There are many drug testing centers located throughout the state of New Hampshire that employs MROs. Please feel free to browse our site to learn more about the many drug screening centers that can be of benefit to you as both an individual and/or employer.
Drug testing and alcohol testing in New Hampshire
For drug testing in New Hampshire for employers call now: 866-843-4545
For drug testing in New Hampshire for individuals for immediate testing, call now: 866-843-4545
