Trends that may Affect Your Drug Testing for Independent Contractors

Risk Management | August 12, 2022

As laws and trends related to drug screening change over time, it is a good idea to reevaluate your organization’s drug testing process for  independent contractors. PlusOne Solutions can help.

While creating policies and processes that keep your workplace and customers safe, it’s essential to examine the operational, legal, and reputational risks that need to be managed. One part of a comprehensive contractor screening program is a well-thought-out and balanced drug testing proces

Should You Have A Drug Testing Policy for Independent Contractors?

Having a policy in place gives your organization and the contractors you work with a clear outline of what is expected of them and your requirements. However, your policy should be evaluated at regular intervals to ensure it’s still aligned with your organization’s needs as well as changing laws and trends in your service areas.

Trends that may Affect Your Drug Testing Policy for Independent Contractors

Worker Availability

The last several years have shown us considerable changes in the workforce, with over 47 million Americans voluntarily resigning from their jobs. This massive shift in worker availability has created a situation that has many organizations rethinking their recruiting and screening processes.

Some organizations report that they felt prescreening for substances eliminates otherwise ideal candidates from their talent pool. Relaxing their drug testing policy for independent contractors is one way they are able to combat a worker shortage in their industry.

Legalization and Decriminalization

With medical marijuana legal in over half of U.S. states and recreational marijuana legalization increasing, many organizations are rethinking their drug testing policies. If your existing policy was based on state legislation, changes in your service area might trigger the opportunity to change the policy.

Some organizations are choosing to stop testing for substances like marijuana in states where it’s still illegal, but has been decriminalized. While marijuana may not be legalized in their state, its decriminalized status means that the legal system is not penalizing individuals for being in possession of small amounts.

Another important factor to consider when determining your drug testing process is the work your contractors do. If they are working around heavy appliances, working on appliances that run on gas, or other similar work, it’s important to have a solid policy to ensure their safety and the safety of consumers.

Industry Pressures

Public opinion surrounding drug testing, especially regarding marijuana use, has changed in the last decade. Some companies are choosing to change their drug testing policies to reflect that. Amazon recently announced that they would be relaxing their drug testing policy and would be lobbying for the legalization of marijuana.

As other organizations in your industry are changing their drug testing policy for independent contractors, you may feel that it is time to assess yours as well.

When was the Last Time You Evaluated Your Contractor Screening Solution?

A drug testing policy is important to have in place. Individuals with substance abuse problems can be less productive, make more mistakes, miss more time, and turnover more frequently. Accuracy, depth, and accessibility to the right screening solutions are extremely important. We use every available tool to screen prospective contractors to ensure that you and your customers are protected.

PlusOne Solutions is your source for contractor compliance and risk management services. Not only do we provide the contractor drug testing you’re looking for, our team of experts is here to answer questions you have long the way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can enhance your contractor compliance program.

Contents are provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Users are reminded to seek legal counsel with respect to their obligations and use of PlusOne Solutions services.

About PlusOne Solutions

PlusOne Solutions has been an industry leader in the risk management field by specializing in compliance programs that meet the complex challenges of geographically dispersed contractors, vendors, and employee networks. PlusOne Solutions protects companies from possible financial, legal, and reputational risks associated with contractor and vendor relationships while creating safer work environments. To learn more, visit https://www.PlusOneSolutions.net.