A week and a half ago I hired a new employee. However just two days ago he finally took his drug test and marijuana and cocaine were found in his system. So, for business owners who have had to deal with this, what did you do when an employee’s drug test came back dirty?
He claims he does not do cocaine. I’m having the results of the drug test confirmed by a further lab.
Any counsel or insights?
Double checking is a reasonable courtesy, but why even do a drug test if you re not going to cut him b/c a positive result ?
That’s a good point. This is the first time that the results have come back negative.
He has been a very good employee besides this. The customer seem to like him and he’s getting good reviews.
My problem is that I do not have a replacement, and I can’t accomplish all the work without this employee. Do you think this issue requires immediate termination?
Well let me ask you why are you drug testing him ?
An if you keep him now he knows he can get over on you
It’s only a matter of time
We stopped drug testing this year. To be honest, it limits your hiring pool of prospects down too much. In this day of age you cant find many 18-28 year olds that don’t mess around with marijuana…especially guys that apply for window cleaning/outdoor jobs. What my employees do off the clock is really none of my business. The only time we run a drug test is if there is an automobile accident or workplace injury accident. If I suspect an employee coming to work drunk or high then I would ask for a drug test to continue employment. All of this is in our employee handbook which we review with each employee and have them sign.
I only have a temp worker whom I know personally so my opinion might be different than another’s - but if cocaine shows positive on the second test, then you have a decision to make since he’s a good worker; Terminate, or let him know you will test again in a standard amount of time to determine if he remains an employee of yours.
Know that your insurance may be void if he gets injured on the job and Insurance finds out you knew he was using. The marijuana wouldn’t concern me (on his own time), the cocaine is a huge difference.
Weed compared to crack , Heroin are different animals
If you could avoid it the last thing you want is an addict working for you.
Addicts need jobs an they know how to hide it good also so …
My helper smokes weed it’s my older brother he doent do it while working But he is a burn out 
I agree with the others on this. The marijuana use on his own time is of no concern to me unless you suspect he is coming to work high or bringing it with him and doing on the job etc… I also feel differently about Cocaine. I know he says he doesn’t do it but if the 2nd lab confirms it also I would sit him down and let him know how you feel and maybe tell him he will be randomly retested in the near future (don’t tell him when) and if that test comes back positive for cocaine then you have a decision to make but if he can’t keep his nose clean knowing that he is going to be randomly tested in the near future that is a big sign he really might have a real problem with it. Good luck!
I have no tolerance.
If it means I have to choose from a smaller pool of candidates for employment then thats the way it will be.
Same here. I had enough worries about an employee getting hurt without having to worry that they’re lit as well.
Legally, if you have a drug user on your payroll that you tested and knowingly looked the other way, and your employee then causes property damage or injury/loss of life, then you are toast.
Edit: In other words, what @Garry already said but I was too lazy to read.
Guys, can’t you see? It’s because of the cocaine. Imagine how fast he must be!
Proly cause he’s at the same time so chilled from the marijuana.
The way i see it, this is a win-win! Maybe he can get the other guys hooked too.
Jkjk! 
We don’t start anyone until they take the drug test for starters. We fill out a form for the facility we use and time stamp it so they only have 48 hours to take it.
Our workers comp specifically asks if we drug screen so we just do it.
On a side note : We always rib people at work keeps things light and I’m just a natural buster.
If you end up keeping him the way I would mess with him is leave Weeds in his truck first day then in his tool setup then in places he wouldn’t find right away. This way he knows you watching him every morning before work.
Coming from a guy who ran a drug testing company in the past, I can attest to the value of quality testing. PLEASE do not try do-it-yourself tests. A reputable testing company will perform a lab verify via an MRO (Medical Review Officer), who is a physician. A couple of quick facts: Marijuana is detectable for up to 30 days depending on use. Cocaine, Opiates, Amphetamines (including Meth), Barbiturates, and Benzodiazepines usually are detectable up to 3-4 days with a urine specimen. Pardon the pun, but urine testing is considered the “gold” standard in the industry and the most reliable. These tests do not detect the actual drug, but the metabolic markers that appear in waste. I wouldn’t do hair testing unless you’re seeking long-term use more than a week ago. If you’re asking “what about a guy who has a Rx for an opiate”, two things: The MRO will verify legal and legit Rx. Second, do you want a guy on opiates driving your vehicles, hanging off the chair, etc?
Anyway, I’m happy to answer any questions as I’ve been on both the employer side and drug testing company side of things.
Can anything else toss a false result ?
I think I remember Poppy seed bagels were a no no if going for a test Back when I had one done for the school system pre-check.
