When can an employer do a drug screen on employees?

An employer may conduct a drug screen on employees when there are reasonable concerns of addiction. This situation can arise when an employee exhibits unusual behavior, performance issues, or other signs that suggest drug use could be affecting their ability to perform their job safely and effectively. Companies have a responsibility to maintain a safe working environment, and if there are legitimate reasons to suspect that an employee may be abusing substances, a drug screening can be justified to ensure the wellbeing of the individual, their coworkers, and the overall workplace.

The other options do not establish a sufficient basis for conducting drug screenings. For instance, requesting a drug screen by the employee does not necessarily indicate a need for testing unless there are specific circumstances or policies in place that warrant it. Simply having an employee for a year does not impact the employer's decision-making concerning drug screenings, as the need should be based on behavior rather than time employed. Finally, promoting a new policy could involve many elements, but it does not inherently necessitate drug screenings unless the policy specifically addresses drug testing protocols.