Pubdate: Mon, 27 Nov 2006
Source: Charleston Daily Mail (WV)
Copyright: 2006 Charleston Daily Mail
Contact:  http://www.dailymail.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/76
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)

DRUG TESTING JUST MAKES SENSE

KANAWHA County school officials were shocked  earlier this year to
learn that an elementary school  principal had been arrested and
charged with possession  of cocaine.

Dismayed, the board of education began talking about  testing all
school employees for drugs.

The board's concern is not only understandable, it is  necessary.
Children are required by law to attend  schools. The board is
responsible for maintaining a  safe environment there.

Not long thereafter, the issue came up in Putnam  County. The county's
insurance carrier suggested the  county amend its personnel policy to
require drug tests  of new employees, random drug tests of employees
in  safety-sensitive positions, and upon a supervisors'  request,
testing of other employees suspected of being  under the influence
while working.

The insurer also recommended that the county require  background
checks, criminal records checks, and license  checks of prospective
employees.

"The insurance industry wants us to manage our risk,"  said county
administrator Brian Donat.

Putnam County commissioners promptly agreed.

Kanawha County Commissioner Dave Hardy thinks Kanawha  County should
adopt similar measures, particularly with  respect to people in
safety-sensitive positions.

"If you look across this country, this is the path  where most
employers have gone," Hardy said. "This is a  very important attempt
that can reduce workers'  compensation payments and help us out in the
long  term."

Commission President Kent Carper is right. Such  policies must be
carefully drawn, both to be fair and  to hold costs down.

Taxpayers don't deserve to pay for damage suits from  mishandled
employees any more than they deserve to pay  damages for misconduct
caused by impaired employees.

But it's an able commission, capable of avoiding both  dangers, so
full speed ahead.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Derek