ALCOHOL AND DRUG TESTING FOR THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY
America’s manufacturing industry generates trillions of dollars each year, and it is as significant to the nation as it is to the world. Through this field, materials and components are physically, mechanically, or chemically transformed into new products that improve the quality of life.
Per Bureau of Labor Statistics data for June 2019, the industry’s workforce comprises 12.85 million employees, who put in average weekly hours of 40.7 and earn average hourly wages of $27.67.
Given its importance, the industry expects its workers to be always at the top of their game. Businesses want their employees to perform their tasks consistently well—without them making expensive mistakes, damaging property and infrastructure, and endangering human lives and the environment.
Most likely, employers have a range of safety and security measures in place to achieve industry goals and bring exceptional services. Despite these measures, however, problems still arise, including substance use and abuse.
Statistics: Alcohol and Drug Use, Misuse, and Abuse in the Manufacturing Industry
- The 2015 report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) suggests that between 2007 and 2013, the manufacturing industry had the eighth highest number of heavy drinkers of alcoholic beverages in the US workforce, with 9.7% of its employees having at least five drinks on the same occasion.
- The same SAMHSA report also suggests that between 2007 and 2013, the manufacturing industry had the eleventh highest number of illicit-drug users in the US workforce, with 7.4% of its employees having consumed marijuana/hashish, inhalants, hallucinogens, cocaine (including crack), heroin, or prescription drugs taken non-medically at least once during the period.
Impact of Substance Use, Misuse, and Abuse in the Manufacturing Industry
The adverse effects of alcohol and drug consumption in the manufacturing industry, as well as the Accommodation and Food Services industry, include:
- Lost revenue and opportunity as a result of worker tardiness and absenteeism
- Lost resources as a result of sanctioning drunken or drugged workers
- Increased risk of unintentional bodily injury or property damage as a result of impaired judgment of workers under the influence
- Increased risk of costly workplace mistakes as a result of lack of focus and weak performance of workers under the influence
- Low morale level and sense of security in the workplace
- Reduced trust of clients and other stakeholders
Quite disturbingly, it is possible for the workplace to be used as a trading post for controlled and prohibited substances. This endangers businesses even more.
Types of Tests That Are Appropriate for the Manufacturing Industry
Accuracy and efficiency are key in every successful alcohol and drug screen, and these are exactly what employers in the manufacturing industry seek in screening kits. And because time is of the essence, the staff conducting the tests want the process to be simple and swift.
The three (3) types of alcohol and drug tests are:
- Hair Follicle Alcohol and Drug Test. This can tell whether or not an employee has taken alcohol or drugs within 90 days of the test.
- Urine Alcohol and Drug Test. This can prove that an employee has imbibed alcohol or taken an illicit drug within a few days of the test.
- Saliva Alcohol and Drug Test. This is not as invasive as the Urine Drug Test, and it does not require a urinal or a private for sample collection. It can tell if an employee has consumed alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, or amphetamine within three days of the test. It can also detect heroin, but only within a few hours of the latest usage.
What American Screening Provides the Manufacturing Industry
American Screening understands that businesses within the field of manufacturing may not always have a substantial budget to screen their workers for alcohol and drug use, misuse, or abuse. This is why we deliver highly affordable, cost-effective, superior-quality tests straight from the manufacturer.
We understand as well that personnel assigned to perform the screens do not have the luxury of time to learn complex procedures related to alcohol and drug testing, which is why we provide safe, convenient, and easy-to-use products that give results with timeliness and accuracy.
To keep pace with trends, we also offer screening kits for synthetic drugs like K2 (also known as “spice”) and fentanyl.
Nicotine/tobacco tests and steroid tests are available as well.
All our alcohol and drug testing products conform to SAMHSA and OHSA standards.
For more information on how American Screening LLC can collaborate on making your organization and community alcohol and drug-free zones, please call our toll-free number: (866) 526-2873 or write us via [email protected]
We are here to serve the public nationwide and internationally!