Employee Drug and Alcohol Testing Statistics

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image: alcohol testing at rehab hospitalIn many instances, what "hits home" in a presentation or in a discussion is a list of relevant and hard-hitting statistics and facts that for whatever reason, seem to make more of an impact on people's consciousness. 

This is why the following workplace drug and alcohol testing statistics are presented.  Please continue reading for more information about employee drug and alcohol testing statistics and facts.

The Need For Drug and Alcohol Testing Statistics

Unfortunately, certain issues, such as the need for drug and alcohol testing in the workplace, do not make a significant impact on people’s awareness until relevant facts and statistics are presented.  With this in mind, the following drug and alcohol testing statistics and facts will be listed.

  • Substance abusers are 33% to 50% less productive than individuals who are not substance abusers.
  • The research literature confirms that abusive drinking is associated with negative work behaviors such as and frequent job changes and absenteeism.
  • An estimated 58.8 million (51.4 percent) workers indicated that random testing would not influence their decision to work for an employer. 
  • The alcohol abuse research literature shows that workplace alcohol testing programs are associated with less alcohol dependence and alcohol use by employees. 
  • Substance abusers are absent an average of three or more weeks per year and are late for work three times more frequently than non-substance abusers.
  • Approximately 40% of the industrial fatalities and 47% of the injuries that take place in the U.S. workplace are associated with alcoholism and alcohol abuse.
  • An estimated 45.5 million (39.8 percent) workers reported that they would be more likely to work for an employer who tests randomly for drug or alcohol use, while 10.0 million (8.7 percent) workers reported that they would be less likely.
  • image: doctor explaining drug and alcohol testing statistics to alcoholic and his sonSubstance abusers are three to four times more likely to have an accident on the job and five times more likely to file a workers’ compensation claim.
  • More than 40% of U.S. corporate CEOs who participated in a recent survey stated that the use of illegal drugs and alcohol costs them from 1% to 10% of their annual payroll.
  • An estimated 50% to 80% of loss regarding pilferage and theft is related to substance-using employees.
  • Substance abusers, when compared with people who are not substance abusers, file 300% to 400% more costly medical claims.

About 20% of teens are "problem drinkers." Problem drinking can result in getting drunk, having accidents related to alcohol use, or getting into trouble with the law, family members, friends or school due to alcohol use.

Employee Drug and Alcohol Testing Statistics: Conclusion

Various facts and statistics about alcohol testing in the workplace have been presented.  It is hoped that these statistics and facts have added some insights into the importance of employee drug and alcohol testing in today's organizations, institutions, and companies.

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By the time they enter preschool, most children have seen adults smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol either in real life or in the media, or both. Children today are exposed to illegal drugs as early as elementary school, so it’s never too early to talk with your child about drugs.

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