Drug Testing Solutions for Construction
Compared to the national average, employees in the construction industry have almost twice the rate of substance abuse. 8.6% of the general population of adults have a substance abuse disorder compared to 15% of all construction workers.
The construction industry has a serious problem with drug abuse that can be prevented through drug testing. If you want to create a drug-free environment for your construction business, we’re here to help.
Keep reading to learn what you need to know about construction drug testing.
Drug Testing in the Construction Industry
Drug testing in the construction industry is essential to create a drug-free workplace environment. Because of the use of heavy machinery and other tasks that construction workers must complete, a drug-free setting is necessary.
Construction employees face unique circumstances when it comes to creating drug-free work sites. The first circumstance is that construction work might lead to painful injuries that require pain medication.
The construction industry is also most likely to abuse drugs like cocaine and other opioids compared to a dozen other industries.
Lastly, construction employers need skilled workers. The candidate pool might be smaller if you factor in positive drug tests. Otherwise qualified candidates might seem counterproductive because of drug use.
Is Drug Testing Mandatory in the Construction Industry?
Construction drug testing mandates depend on the business or organization. If a construction business received a federal contract of $100,000+ or any sized grants, they must adhere to the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.
This act requires the creation and distribution of a drug-free workplace policy and awareness program. However, drug testing is not explicitly required, but federal, state, and private employees are subject to drug testing.
This begs the question: Do construction companies drug test?
An employer can decide whether to complete drug testing or not. In a lot of industries, drug testing is beneficial and the construction industry is no different.
Drug testing in the construction industry can be done under all or any of these circumstances:
- Construction pre-employment test
- Before an employee returns to work after an absence
- Suspicion of drug use
- Random testing
Drug and alcohol testing in the construction industry can go a long way, but only if you have accurate and affordable drug testing options. Wondering where to buy drug tests for your industry? 12 Panel Now!
The Best Drug Test for Construction Jobs
The best construction drug testing is one that tests for multiple substances at once to save money and time. This will better the chances of creating a drug-free workplace environment.
The 12 Panel Drug Test Cup with TCA is the most popular option from 12 Panel Now, a leading drug test supplier. When you purchase this 12panelnow test, you’ll be able to test for the following substances with one urine sample:
- Amphetamines (AMP)
- Barbiturates (BAR)
- Benzodiazepines (BZO)
- Buprenorphine (BUP)
- Cocaine (COC)
- Ecstasy (MDMA)
- Marijuana (THC)
- Methadone (MTD)
- Methamphetamine (mAMP or MET)
- Morphine (OPI)
- Oxycodone (OXY)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA)
There is also a 12 Panel Drug Test Cup with EtG that tests for all of the same substances listed above except for tricyclic antidepressants. Instead, it tests for nortriptyline.
This test might be most beneficial to construction industry employers because it includes an ethyl-glucuronide (EtG) test strip. EtG is a metabolite of ethanol, the byproduct that is produced when someone consumes alcohol.
This means that employers can test for 12 drug substances along with alcohol use. If you suspect someone is intoxicated or drinking while on the job, this rapid drug test is beneficial.
12panelnow.com also offers drug test cups that test for fewer or more than 12 substances at a time. Each panel drug test can be purchased through a bulk drug test order. These are the additional options from 12panelnow:
- 6 Panel Drug Test Cups
- 8 Panel Drug Test Cup
- 10 Panel Drug Test Cup
- 13 Panel Drug Test Cups
- 14 Panel Drug Test Cups
- 16 Panel Drug Test Cup
- 18 Panel Drug Test Cup
Each drug test cup is FDA-approved and adheres to cut-off levels according to SAMHSA guidelines.
Are Drug Test Cups Easy to Use?
When you purchase drug test cups from 12 Panel Now, you benefit from affordability, 99% accurate results, and ease of use. You can look through 12panelnow reviews to get a second opinion on how easy drug test cups are to use.
For now, we’ll go through the steps of administering a urinalysis with a cup drug test kit:
- Remove the drug test cup from the pouch
- Write the workers information on the cup
- Collect a urine sample directly into the cup
- Close the secure leak-proof lid
- Remove the label from the test cup
- Read results after 5 minutes
A urine cup drug test like this will provide employers with accurate and quick results after an easy administration process.
Interpreting Test Results
Like administering the drug test, interpreting the results is also simple. No matter which drug test you choose to buy from 12 Panel Now, you’ll use the same method for reading drug test results.
When you remove the label from the test cup, you’ll see the different substance abbreviations. Each substance will have its own strip with a control region (C) and a test region (T).
If only one colored band appears in the control region and no band appears in the test region (T), the test is positive. A band, no matter how lightly colored, still counts as a band.
When a colored band appears in the control region (C) and a band appears in the test region (T), the test is negative.
A band should always appear in the control region (C). If this fails to happen, the test must be thrown out and completed with a new test. A test result without a band in the control region (C) is invalid.
For this reason, it is recommended to purchase drug tests in bulk. Drug test cups have a long shelf life so you can stash up on testing methods for when you need them.
Should You Drug Test Your Employees?
Although it is not required to complete drug testing in the construction industry, it might be beneficial to the overall success of your business. As an employer, you have a duty to make the workplace as safe as possible.
When working with machinery and dangerous construction tools, there is a lot of risk for employees. The risk increases when your employees have drugs or alcohol in their system.
To create a drug-free and safer workplace, you need the right drug test supplier.
Contact us today to learn more about our affordable testing methods and shipping options.