Results are the highest in 20 years, research indicates.
A new analysis on workforce drug tests has revealed that the rates of positive results are the highest they've been in 20 years. The study, performed by Quest Diagnostics, examined the results of 16 million drug tests—urine, hair, and oral fluid—from 2017 to 2021.
"Employers are wrestling with significant recruitment and retention challenges as well as with maintaining safe and engaging work environments that foster positive mental and physical well-being," Keith Ward, general manager and vice president at Quest, said in a release. "Our Drug Testing Index data raised important questions about what it means to be an employer committed to employee health and safety."
The analysis reveals several trends to be aware of, according to Barry Sample, PhD and senior science consultant for Quest Diagnostics. He noted the increased drug positivity rates in the safety-sensitive workforce, along with the higher rate of positivity in individuals tested after on-the-job accidents.
In the healthcare and social assistance sector, the rate of positive results increased from 4.6% in 2017 to 5.1% in 2021. The data is also sorted according to drug, with positive results for marijuana and amphetamines seeing a slight increase, 1% and 0.2% respectively.
Within the general U.S. workforce, positive test results for marijuana increased 50%.
"It is important for workers to know that certain employers are required to test for marijuana under federal law and if they use marijuana, they can still lose their jobs," Sample said. "People who use drugs during working hours or before work can still be impaired and dangerous to co-workers, the general public, and themselves."
"Drug use affecting the work environment is a complex problem that is not going away," said Jenny Burke, vice president of impairment practice, National Safety Council, said in a statement.
"When workers use impairing substances, it can create incidents that compromise the safety of other workers and, in some cases, the general public," she said. "Employers should have the right and ability to maintain a substance-free workplace."
“"It is important for workers to know that certain employers are required to test for marijuana under federal law and if they use marijuana, they can still lose their jobs.”
Barry Sample, PhD, senior science consultant, Quest Diagnostics
Jasmyne Ray is the revenue cycle editor at HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Data shows a small increase in employees in the healthcare and social assistance sector testing positive for marijuana and amphetamines.
In addition to recruiting and retaining talent, employers must also ensure a safe and engaging workplace.
Employees who use drugs during or before work can pose a potential danger to their co-workers, themselves, and the general public.