Drug testing is a common practice in the construction industry to ensure a safe and drug-free work environment. The specific type of drug test and the drugs being tested for may vary depending on the company policies and the nature of the job. Common drug tests in the construction industry include urine drug tests, saliva tests, and hair follicle tests, which can detect the presence of substances such as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, and opioids.
How common is drug testing on UK construction sites?
In the UK construction industry, drug testing is becoming increasingly common. This is due to the UK construction industry's focus on safety, productivity, and quality of work, as well as the recognition of the negative impact that drug use can have on these areas.
Drug testing is used to identify employees who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on the job. The tests can detect a range of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and others. This helps to ensure that construction workers are fit for duty, and that they can carry out their jobs safely and effectively.
What types of drug test are used in the UK construction industry
There are several different types of drug tests that can be used in the construction industry, including urine, blood, hair, and saliva tests. Urine drug tests are the most common, as they are easy to perform, and provide quick results. Saliva drug tests are relatively non-invasive, and provide fast results and have become increasingly popular on constructions sites in the UK in the last few years .Blood and hair drug tests are rarely used for drug screening in the construction industry, but can be used for confirmation drug testing, especially in legal cases. Blood testing is more invasive, and requires a blood sample to be taken, but can provide more accurate results. Hair tests can detect drug use over a longer period of time, but are rarely used onsite in the UK. They do have a place in court cases or tribunals. There may be a place for fingerprint drug testing on construction sites in the future , but as the range of drugs currently detected on a fingerprint drug test is currently very small, their use is still fairly limited, as they do not screen for a broad enough range of common drugs yet.
UK Drug Testing have developed a specialist range of onsite rapid drug testing kits for drug screening in the construction industry. The drug test combinations match the requirements within specific construction industry procedures currently in operation in some of the largest UK and international construction companies. These tests offer a ready made, high value, accurate easy to use drug and alcohol screening solution for all sizes of business operating in this sector.
Below are examples of onsite drug testing kits, with drug test combinations that have been developed for the construction industry both in the UK and abroad:
- The 10 panel workplace split key urine drug test cup
- 12 panel saliva drug test kit construction DSD-8127
- 10 panel saliva drug test kit construction DSD-8107
- The international 11 panel urine drug test cup
When is drug testing carried out?
Drug testing in the construction industry is typically carried out as part of pre-employment screening, or as a random or for-cause test during employment. Pre-employment drug testing is becoming more common, as employers aim to ensure that new hires are free from drug use. Random drug testing is also carried out to ensure that employees are maintaining a drug-free workplace, and for-cause drug testing is carried out when there is reason to believe that an employee is under the influence of drugs.
In conclusion, drug testing is an important element of the health and safety programs in the UK construction industry, as it helps to ensure the safety and productivity of workers, and the quality of work being carried out. With various drug testing methods available, employers have the tools they need to create a drug-free workplace and promote a safe working environment for all employees. If you would like any help or advice on purchasing drug testing kits for use in the construction industry, please do not hesitate to contact our customer support team who will be happy to assist you.