Ensuring a Safe Workplace with 10-Panel Drug Testing in Chicago

Workplace substance abuse is one of the biggest concerns for American employers. According to recent surveys, 22.5% of employees admit to using alcohol and drugs during work hours. Crunching the numbers further, 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women accept that they have indulged in drugs in a professional setting. These numbers are scary because they can have dire implications at workplaces.

Did you know that drug and substance addiction is the cause of about $81 billion in lost profits annually for American businesses? From affecting performance and productivity to hitting the business’s reputation, substance abuse at the workplace can hurt an employer. Even worse, it may cause safety issues for your workforce. As an employer, you must enforce rules to address the concern.

Drug testing is the best way to ensure that every team member is clean. The issue is more serious in some cities in the country. Chicago, for example, is a problem area as it is the primary drug trafficking hub for the surrounding cities and states. Chicago business owners need to go the extra mile for workplace drug testing.

Fortunately, the 10-panel drug testing has you covered. Let us explain how it ensures a safe workplace.

What Is 10 Panel Drug Testing?

The 10-panel drug test covers the detection of traces of different types of substances potentially associated with drug abuse. It may be done as a pre-employment condition or for verification of existing employees to ensure they are not abusing prescription or illegal drugs. The test detects the following potential culprits:

• Amphetamines

• Benzodiazepines

• Codeine

• Cocaine

• Heroin

• Methadone 

• Methaqualone (Quaaludes)

• Marijuana (Cannabis, THC)

• Morphine

• Propoxyphene

Implementing 10 panel drug testing in Chicago as a part of the employment process makes sense for business owners in the city, considering the growing trends of substance abuse here. The situation worsened in Chicago during the pandemic, with a significant increase in opioid overdoses and deaths in 2020. It means employers should be extra vigilant. 

According to Health Street, employers should look for customized testing options that enable the addition or removal of tests from the 10-panel package according to their specific requirements. It is crucial to collaborate with a provider who offers quick and reliable results to support wise employment decisions for a safe workplace.

How 10 Panel Drug Testing Promotes Workplace Safety?

Drug testing should be a part of the employment process, just like interviews, employee screening, and background verification. As a business owner, you may even consider it for assessing the current employees if you suspect them of addictive behavior. It is the best investment you can make for the safety of your workplace and workforce.

The implementation of a 10-panel drug test program can reduce the number of crimes and accidents on the job. According to the National Safety Council, workers indulging in prescription drug abuse are more susceptible to being violent or sustaining injuries at work. They are also more likely to be late for work, take unexcused absences, file workers’ compensation claims, and quit or get fired within a year of employment.

Integrating 10-panel drug testing into your employment policy can be a tangible step toward making your workplace safe and reputable. It can foster a positive environment and culture for your business as people feel secure working here.

Benefits Beyond Workplace Safety

The benefits of testing your current and potential employees for substance abuse extend beyond workplace safety. Random drug testing looms as a constant threat to employees using drugs in the workplace. It dissuades them from indulging in the first place. A proper drug testing program for your business can help you in several more ways beyond safety. These include:

• Lower employee healthcare costs
• Decreased employee turnover, downtime, and absenteeism
• Improved employee morale, performance, and productivity
• Compliance with federal and state regulations
• Ability to identify employees with alcohol and/or drug problems

Conclusion

Workplace safety is one thing employers should not leave to chance. It boils down to understanding the potential threats to your employees. While you may pay attention to aspects such as equipment safety and prevention of negligent mishaps, drug abuse is an equally critical concern. You must ensure that all your employees are clean and be extra vigilant while hiring new ones.

A 10-panel drug test can be a savior because it enables you to detect almost all potential culprits of substance abuse among your employees.  Making it a part of your employment policy ensures peace of mind regarding a safe and healthy workplace in the long run.