Drug and Alcohol Testing - Ensuring a Safe Workplace

Tuesday, 21 October 2008 18:17

GAIL JANSEN The Pipeline Bonnie Krauss has been doing drug tests as an Occupational Health and Safety nurse for over ten years.  But in the last few years, this practise has taken off as companies implement widespread drug testing.  That is why three years ago she, along with Kevin Balaneski, began Precede Occupational Health Services Ltd. “We are unique in the industry,” says Krauss. “In that all of the nurses working for us have completed their four year nursing degree as well as the four year specialization occupation health degree. No other company can claim that.” Offering a full range of Health and Safety services from hearing tests, workplace evaluations and more, Krauss attributes the fast rise of the company’s success to their drug and alcohol testing services. “This industry is taking off as more and more companies want to ensure a safe work environment. We started out with one client three years ago and now have grown to be the leading occupational health and services firm in Alberta.” With head offices in Red Deer, and satellite offices in Medicine Hat, Calgary, Brooks, Grande Prairie, Whitecourt, Provost and Hinton, they offer their services 24/7, 365 days a year and even have the ability to access a broad network of collection sites throughout Canada and the U.S. “Our network allows us to be able to test for a client/company anywhere in North America.” Despite the rapid growth of the company in the last three years, Krauss maintains her initial purpose in starting the company. “We’re doing this because we truly believe in the benefit and the role drug and alcohol testing can play in helping curb the growing addiction problem we have in this country,” says Krause. “I really see companies choosing to test their employees not as an infringement on their personal rights, but as a pro-active societal move, that will make those doing drugs “recreationally” take a hard look at the consequences they may face, and give those who have a severe addiction problem the opportunity to seek help without worrying about losing their jobs. All the while making the places they work safer for all involved.” Using a standard 6-panel drug urine test that tests for cocaine, amphetamines, crystal meth, marijuana (or the THC levels in it), PCP and opiates (which included prescribed medications like percocet), Precede informs the employer when an employee has tested non-negative. Further lab tests then take place to isolate the substance, after which the employee can be suspended for up to 30 days. During that period the employee must attend an assessment session with an AADAC or other certified substance abuse counsellor and seek treatment if an addiction is indicated. “Just like any other disease,” says Krauss. “The employer is required to accommodate the individual’s disability, but they must see a really strong commitment from that employee to staying clean,  and because the criteria of “cause” has been founded, the employee will have to be subjected to a more rigorous drug testing schedule.” Krauss is hopeful that drug testing services like those provided by Precede will make a difference not only to the bottom line of employers, but to the health and well-being of all employees and their families.