Drug and Alcohol Testing

Drug and Alcohol Testing
No one would dispute that employees who work under the influence of drugs or alcohol will run a higher risk of causing an accident or injury to themselves or colleagues. Or that they are likely to be less productive, have higher levels of absenteeism, lower levels of concentration, are more likely to take risks and make errors in judgment.

By finding in favour of the country's main airline - Air New Zealand-  the Employment Courts of New Zealand recognised the reluctance of employees to undergo testing but emphasized the duty of employers under the Health and Safety in Employment Laws. Random testing would be allowed where employees are working in safety sensitive areas or where there may be sound indications that drugs have been taken

Research indicates that up to 10% of the population is alcohol or drug dependent and 70% of drug abusers are in employment. There are estimates that up to 25% of work place injuries involve employees under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Other potential areas of loss include increased overtime pay, sick leave, increased tension between employees...