Energy and utility companies provide electricity, water, oil and gas, renewable energy, and other essential services. However, the prevalence of drug and alcohol misuse in the oil and gas industry is a matter of serious concern. Workplace drug testing is necessary to increase workplace safety, alleviate environmental risk and improve employee fitness for duty.
Employees in the utilities industry are responsible for a multitude of safety-sensitive tasks. A clear, drug-free mind is crucial to enhance workplace productivity. Drug abuse will adversely affect work, efficiency and more seriously, the safety of other employees. Such safety critical industries develop robust policies in relation to substance abuse. Regular drug testing in the oil and gas industry can increase workplace safety, mitigate environmental risk, and enhance employee fitness for duty.
Drugs of abuse testing in the oil and gas industry may include
- Random drug and alcohol testing
- Pre-employment drug and alcohol screening
- Suspicious drug and alcohol screening
- Post-incident drug and alcohol testing
- Abstinence monitoring
The main drugs tested for include Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, Benzodiazepines, Buprenorphine, Cannabis (THC), Cocaine, Codeine, Dihydrocodeine, Heroin, Methadone, Methamphetamine, Morphine and Opiates. Companies often use lab-based urine testing and some even perform hair testing to make sure their potential employees do not have any history of drug abuse - at least not in the past three months. Failing a drug test could lead to disciplinary action and even dismissal. Early detection of problems facilitates rehabilitation.
Onsite drug test kits are a very useful option for utilities industries. One of the latest products in the market is the FDA approved, CLIA waived QuikScreen drug test cup. This user-friendly test is a rapid, qualitative immunoassay for the detection of drugs of abuse in urine available. Completely made in USA, it can provide accurate results in just five minutes and is available in custom configurations. Online stores of reliable lab equipment suppliers offer these drug test cups at a great price.