Workplace drug screening for safety-sensitive roles.
Workplace drug screening can help employers manage impairment risks where employees drive, operate machinery or perform other safety-critical work. In these environments, impairment can create an immediate workplace risk, making it important for employers to have a clear and fair process for responding to suspected impairment and conducting substance testing where justified by the work being performed.
Drug screening and alcohol testing should form part of an established company policy. The policy should explain when testing can take place, how the process will be conducted and how results will be managed.
Testing within a workplace process.
South Africa’s Employment Equity Act restricts medical testing unless legislation permits or requires it, or the testing is justifiable in light of factors such as medical facts, employment conditions or the inherent requirements of the job.
Depending on the employer’s policy and operating environment, workplace substance testing may be considered:
- Before placement in an identified safety-sensitive role
- Following a workplace incident
- Where there are reasonable grounds to suspect impairment
- As part of a defined testing programme
- Before specified critical tasks
- Where an applicable site requirement exists
An initial screening result may need confirmation before the employer takes further action. Employee confidentiality and the company’s disciplinary or support procedures also need to form part of the process.
Drug Testing & Alcohol Screening.
We provide workplace drug screening and alcohol testing for employers managing health and safety risks across industrial and operational workforces. Screening can be incorporated into a defined workplace programme based on the employer’s policy and requirements.
On-site delivery allows employers to coordinate testing at the workplace, with clinic-based appointments available when required.