Construction companies find benefits in testing for drugs, Cornell study finds

ITHACA, N.Y. -- From
large international corporations to small local contractors, construction companies that drug test appear to be successfully reducing workplace injuries, according to a new Cornell University study. While drug testing is controversial, this study provides useful data on a readily-measurable outcome," says the studys author, Jonathan Gerber, a student at Cornell Universitys School of Industrial and Labor Relations who conducted the study as part of an independent research project. Professor Robert Smith served as the advisor of this study.In the last 15 years, drug testing in the workplace has gone from ground zero to widespread universal employer acceptance. In 1983, less than one percent of employees were subject to drug testing. Today, approximately 49 percent of full-time workers are subject to some form of workplace drug testing, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration.This growth is particularly evident within the construction industry. High rates of drug- and
alcohol-abuse in the construction industry, coupled with the high-risk, safety-sensitive nature of the industrys jobs have prompted many companies to implement a variety of drug prevention strategies - particularly when the safety of workers and the public hang in the balance.The study, titled An Evaluation of Drug Testing in the Workplace: A Study of the Construction Industry," was undertaken to test the efficacy of workplace drug-testing programs in establishing safer workplaces by examining company injury incident rates and workers compensation experience-rating modification factors over a period of five years. The results reported are based on scientific analysis of data collected from 71 companies by a voluntary survey faxed to a randomly selected national sample of four hundred five (405) construction companies in December 1999. Additional data was provided by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI).Among the studys findings: The average company that drug tests in the study
sample experienced a 51 percent reduction in its injury rate within two years of implementing a drug-testing program from a rate of 8.92 incidents per 200,000 work-hours to 4.36 incidents. The difference was proven statistically significant when compared to the 14 percent decline in the average construction firm during the same time period. As a result of fewer job site accidents and injuries, the average company that drug tests in the study sample experienced an 11.41 percent reduction in its workers compensation experience-rating modification factor. Firms that did not drug test experienced no decline. This means that companies that drug test can save substantially on their workers compensation premiums. Drug testing is most effective in reducing workers compensation experience-rating modification factors in the first three years immediately following the implementation of a program. The number one reason why employers in the construction industry drug test their employees and
job applicants is to promote the safety of their workers and those who use their products and services. In addition, company officials believe that drug testing contributes positively to a companys image and is an effective deterrent in preventing drug abuse. The number one reason why some employers in the construction industry do NOT drug test their employees and job applicants is a concern for increased legal liability.The study also revealed that larger construction companies are significantly more likely to test workers for drugs and alcohol. In addition, state laws prohibiting or restricting and employers right to drug test significantly hinder the implementation of programs.The full text of the study is available online at http://www.geocities.com/jkg4/