Pubdate: Sat, 06 May 2000
Source: Spokesman-Review (WA)
Copyright: 2000 Cowles Publishing Company
Contact:  P.O. Box 2160 Spokane, WA 99210
Fax:  (509) 459-5482
Website: http://www.spokesmanreview.com/
Forum: http://cg.zip2.com/spokane/scripts/community.dll?ep1
Author: Rebecca Nappi,  for the editorial board

CLEAN EMPLOYEES MEAN SAFER JOB FOR ALL

 From both sides: Should employers test employees for use of illegal drugs?

Cocaine scrambles a brain in some interesting ways, according to a 1999 
John Hopkins University study. It impairs the prefrontal cortex, the part 
of the brain responsible for decision-making. Memory lapses are common, and 
coordination can get funky. The high from cocaine is brief; the 
aftereffects can last as long as a month.

Though marijuana is probably more popular than cocaine, both are illegal 
drugs taken by some adults who consider "recreational" use of drugs no 
one's business but their own. Some of these people work full-time at 
responsible jobs and argue that their weekend drug use does not affect 
their ability to do their jobs well.

Throughout the past decade, workplaces have grown much less tolerant of 
this viewpoint. More and more are requiring drug tests of new hires and 
other employees. A few weeks ago, The Coeur d'Alene City Council and 
Kootenai County Commission approved new drug policies. Now, employees will 
be drug tested if they hold "safety sensitive" jobs, such as 911 
dispatchers, snowplow drivers and workers at jails and juvenile detention 
facilities.

New employees must take drug tests, as well as city and government 
employees involved in accidents. And all employees can volunteer to be 
tested. County Commissioner Dick Compton said: "We think it's important 
that Kootenai County takes a leadership role in this." He's right.

Those appalled by mandatory drug testing say it violates a person's rights. 
But holding a job has never been a "right." It's a choice, sometimes even a 
privilege. Employees trade some privacy for a salary, benefits and, in some 
occupations, the opportunity to better themselves and their communities.

Employers are liable for employees' errors. Drug testing deters substance 
abuse, leading to fewer accidents and less absenteeism.

Drug testing also raises the standards of a workplace. It sends the message 
that a company feels it is worthy of people who engage in healthy 
lifestyles. No matter how someone spins it, smoking marijuana or snorting 
cocaine on a regular basis, even while off duty, is not a healthy choice.

Those who disagree with the legality and morality of drug testing have an 
option. They can find work elsewhere.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D