Still Relying on “Standard” Drug Testing? It Might Be Time for a Program Audit

In a recent blog, we asked a critical question: Is your drug testing program really doing its job?

If you're in HR or safety leadership, you already know how important a drug-free workplace is — especially in industries where safety, liability, and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable. But it’s not just about having a drug testing policy. It’s about whether that policy and the program supporting it are actually built for today’s risks.

Testing Alone Is Not a Program

Many organizations fall into a false sense of security because they’ve had a drug testing program in place for years. But here’s the hard truth:

A testing method is not a complete program.

We frequently review programs with outdated policies, vendor relationships chosen years ago without reevaluation, and testing procedures that haven’t kept pace with current risks — such as increased cannabis use, synthetic drugs, or the need to detect recent use versus historical use.

A one-size-fits-all approach won’t cut it anymore. The workforce has evolved. The drug landscape has changed. And your program needs to keep up.

What Does a Truly Effective Drug & Alcohol Program Look Like?

Whether you're in construction, manufacturing, logistics, or any safety-sensitive industry, your drug and alcohol program should be more than just a compliance checkbox. It should be a strategic component of your risk management plan.

Here’s what we consider essential:

✅ Clear, up-to-date written policies
Policies should reflect current state and federal regulations and be customized for your specific industry and workforce risks.

✅ Testing methods that match their detection purpose
Are you trying to detect recent use for post-incident investigations? Or long-term use patterns for pre-employment screening? The right method (urine, oral fluid, hair, or blood) makes all the difference.

✅ Supervisor training and employee education
Your frontline leaders need to recognize signs of impairment and know exactly how to respond. Employees need to understand expectations and consequences.

✅ Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
A strong program doesn’t just enforce policy — it supports people. EAPs offer confidential help for employees struggling with substance use, helping them get the resources they need before it impacts safety or performance.

✅ Legal compliance with evolving laws
With shifting laws around cannabis and employee rights, staying legally compliant requires more than just good intentions — it requires expertise.

✅ A responsive, knowledgeable partner
Your drug testing program should adapt as your workforce, operations, and regulatory environment change. Having the right partner makes that possible.

Weak Links Create Big Risks

Even one weak link in your drug and alcohol program can lead to serious consequences — from safety incidents and downtime to legal liability and brand damage. The cost of not auditing your program can be far greater than the cost of fixing it.

That’s where we come in.

Ready for a Program Check-Up?

As experts in drug and alcohol program management, we collaborate with HR leaders and safety professionals to review, refine, and enhance their programs. Our goal is to ensure these programs are fully aligned with your organization's safety priorities, compliance requirements, and overall risk management strategies.

If your current approach feels outdated or passive, now is the time to take a deeper dive.

Reach out to us for a comprehensive program audit and let’s discuss how we can help you create a program that delivers lasting results, both now and in the future. Contact us, 904-686-6456.