Drug use in the workplace can seriously affect safety and productivity. Employee drug testing is one means to reduce employee substance abuse; however, policies that allow drug users, whether casual or habitual, second chances after positive drug tests do not do enough to combat this problem. The City of Houston implemented zero-tolerance drug testing almost 10 years ago. This policy was carefully designed to meet legal standards and has been consistently enforced. Since the effects of the program were last reported, the city has continued to have a positive drug-testing rate that is well below the national average. Additionally, the city has maintained other positive trends, such as lower injury rates and workers’ compensation claims.
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