February 26, 2023

Importance of Recent Cannabis Use Detection in the Workplace

Construction workers at safety-sensitive work site

Detection of cannabis used within the workday is essential to maintain workplace safety amid legalization.

Helps Ensure Safety & Acts as a Deterrent to Workplace Use

First and foremost, it helps to ensure the safety of employees and the public if the company operates in safety-sensitive industries such as construction, manufacturing, or transportation. Cannabis (THC) can impair cognitive and motor functions, making it dangerous for individuals to perform specific tasks while under the influence. By detecting recent cannabis use on-site, companies may prevent accidents and injuries from occurring on the job.

The ability to test for recent use is a deterrent to employees using cannabis right before work or during work hours, when they may be impaired and at the most significant safety risk. In recent years this has become an increasing concern with legalization. 34% of employees report seeing fellow workers use cannabis during work hours, according to a National Safety Council study. (1)

In addition to safety concerns, recent use detection can help maintain workplace productivity and efficiency. Cannabis can affect an individual’s ability to focus and make decisions, negatively impacting their job performance. By detecting recent use, companies can take action to address any issues related to decreased productivity.

Reduce Insurance & Legal Liabilities

Moreover, recent use detection can help to reduce insurance risk and legal liabilities. Even in areas where cannabis is legal for medical or recreational use, employers still have a legal obligation to maintain safe workplaces. Employers can be held legally responsible if an employee injures someone or damages property due to being under the influence of THC while on the job. By detecting recent use on-site, companies can reduce these risks.

Optimal Method of Recent Use Detection is Rapid Saliva Testing

It is important to note traditional test methods such as urine and hair detect past use 30 days or longer. With legalization, it is potentially unfair to those employees who use cannabis on their own time and away from the workplace.

The optimal method for detecting recent cannabis use on-site is saliva-based rapid testing. Saliva testing is highly accurate, as it can detect recent cannabis use within the past 12 hours or less, depending on the THC cut-off level. (2) This provides the optimal detection length to provide fairness to responsible cannabis users and maintain workplace safety. It is the only test method with a window of detection that begins after use and lasts for the entire THC window of impairment or workday.

Rapid saliva-based testing is easy to administer on-site and noninvasive. It prevents cheating, as the process can be observed and supervised for the entire duration while maintaining privacy. It provides accurate and reliable results that act as an effective deterrent to workplace cannabis use.

In conclusion, recent use detection of cannabis in the workplace is vital for ensuring safety, productivity, and compliance with laws and regulations. Employers should consider implementing testing programs to detect recent use to maintain a safe and productive work environment.

Sources: