Why it matters: Post-accident workplace drug testing hit a 25-year all-time high in 2022, with cannabis being the main reason that workers’ drug tests have been positive, according to Quest Diagnostics’ Drug Testing Index Analysis. Cannabis positivity among US workers increased by 10.3% and amphetamines by 15.4%.
What they are saying: The National Safety Council senior program manager, Katie Mueller, stated that the rise in legalization corresponds to an increase in workplace accidents. Meanwhile, Keith Ward, Quest Diagnostics General Manager and Vice President for Employer Solutions, suggests that changing societal attitudes about the drug may be impacting workplace behaviors and putting colleagues at risk.
The big picture: Many industries are becoming more understanding of how cannabis is being commonly used as a relaxation aid, as well as treatment for common conditions like anxiety and depression, but the data presented does not address how cannabis can remain in a person’s system for weeks after consumption, long after the effects have faded.
What to watch: Employers need to take the steps to address cannabis use and build a safety-focused culture while the discussion about cannabis use and workplace safety will remain a topic of ongoing conversation.
Take: As cannabis use continues to rise and workplace environments evolve, employers will need to find new ways to adapt their workplace drug policies to ensure their employees’ safety while considering changing societal attitudes towards the drug.
