QUESTION #10 

How much advance notice should I give to employees before I implement a Drug-Free Workplace program?

It is recommended that employees be given a minimum of 60 days advance written notification of the implementation of a drug-free Workplace program policy, whether or not it contains a testing provision. The advance notice will provide the employer with the opportunity to conduct educational training sessions for all employees on the policy and what is expected of all employees under the policy, and more focused training for supervisors to ensure they understand their role under the new policy. In a new program where testing will be implemented, the advance notice will give employees who are abusing alcohol or drugs the opportunity change their abusing behavior and/or to seek assistance for their abuse problems before the program is implemented. Some employers use the advance notice period as a window of "safe harbor" for those with substance abuse problems to come forward and seek treatment assistance without the threat of disciplinary action (during the advance notice period) providing they follow through with the treatment recommendations and return to duty with acceptable performance, and stay "clean."

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