Random drug testing.

Von Smallhausen · 8 Dec 2013 at 16:32

Does anyone here have the above as a company policy ?

I went in to work at 7am on Friday and had to report straight to it. Pee in a bottle and alcohol breath test. First time I've had to do it.

Jokester · 8 Dec 2013 at 16:34

I do, plus I tend to also need to complete a drugs screening whenever I start a new job as well.

I've never been random tested, but I know of someone that got tested and subsequently binned for testing positive for cannabis.

Spook187 · 8 Dec 2013 at 16:34

Yes all the time, safety critical job.

MadMan-JaMeS · 8 Dec 2013 at 16:34

Nope never, guess it depends on your job.

OpenToSuggestions · 8 Dec 2013 at 16:35

My medical consisted of answering some questions and a urine sample.

The only way I believe the 'random' checks are done thereafter is if they are looking to sack you as it is a very easy way to do so.

Glaucus · 8 Dec 2013 at 16:37

Yes, but with so many employees its not so often. If theres any sort of accident then you will be tested straight away. It doesn't even have to be a big accident either.

Nitefly · 8 Dec 2013 at 16:37

I think there are better indicators of how suitable you are at a job as opposed to the trace of any drug in your system.

Like, you know, your performance and behaviour.

Von Smallhausen · 8 Dec 2013 at 16:38

Random drug testing for the police was brought in about four years ago. Random people are selected and a superintendent was in the waiting room with me and the deputy chief was on the list so I would hope they aren't looking to bin us.

Spook187 · 8 Dec 2013 at 16:38

Glaucus said:
Yes, but with so many employees its not so often. If theres any sort of accident then you will be tested straight away. It doesn't even have to be a big accident either.

aye tell me about it, the slighest thing and the drug screening squad are here.

dfarrall · 8 Dec 2013 at 16:38

Been in jobs that have them but never actually seen/heard of one being done.

chief barker · 8 Dec 2013 at 16:39

I turn up for work every night at the DM drunk, it's the only way i'm going to get through the night.

Spook187 · 8 Dec 2013 at 16:40

OpenToSuggestions said:
The only way I believe the 'random' checks are done thereafter is if they are looking to sack you as it is a very easy way to do so.

That is false, randoms have to be done every year to 18 months to keep the Drugs and alcohol cert up to date.

Sliver · 8 Dec 2013 at 16:45

Had to pee in a bottle when I was in the R.A.F. but not any more. I enjoy occasional drug use and did it when I was in the R.A.F. but luckily I never got caught.

neil_g · 8 Dec 2013 at 16:53

I place I worked at previously it was written into our contracts after it was found out that several employees were coking up in the toilets.

nutcase · 8 Dec 2013 at 16:54

Done it once

Nitefly · 8 Dec 2013 at 16:55

neil_g said:
I place I worked at previously it was written into our contracts after it was found out that several employees were coking up in the toilets.

Didn't know they had cocaine during the Roman Empire.

bushmins · 8 Dec 2013 at 16:55

We have 'random' drug testing, which means whomever the supervisor decides to put forward on the date the testing guy turns up.

Got tested before I started the job over 10 years ago, it then took another 10 years for me to get onto the 'random' list.

RedvGreen · 8 Dec 2013 at 16:56

Von Smallhausen said:
Does anyone here have the above as a company policy ?

I went in to work at 7am on Friday and had to report straight to it. Pee in a bottle and alcohol breath test. First time I've had to do it.

Depends on where you work and the responsibility you hold. Civil service, military and most enforcement agencies enforce a strict zero-drugs policy and failure to undertake, or pass a screen will result in disciplinary, or termination of contract.

Theophany · 8 Dec 2013 at 16:58

I'm guessing you do a job where there is quite a bit of responsibility? I'd pass any drugs test with flying colours, but the breathalysing bit...

Energize · 8 Dec 2013 at 17:00

Von Smallhausen said:
Does anyone here have the above as a company policy ?

I went in to work at 7am on Friday and had to report straight to it. Pee in a bottle and alcohol breath test. First time I've had to do it.

No.

It's pretty futile really as most drugs aren't detected by such tests leading to false negatives and many drugs have long half lives that lead to false positives as far as being under the influence is concerned.

And it's somewhat bizarre in it's inconsistency because if you don't trust your employees, then why not search their bags too in case they are stealing things? In fact why employ them at all?