Workers began exhibiting symptoms that kept them from performing their jobs in a safe and timely manner. After numerous complaints from clients, it became apparent that there was a problem. The firm immediately contacted colleagues in similar businesses to ask for information regarding substance abuse and to get their suggestions for potential solutions to the problem. The other companies warned that for the first few months Architectural Landscaping would regret installing a substance abuse policy because of the turmoil it would create. A meeting was held for all employees to outline a zero-tolerance policy and to inform them that the policy was effective immediately for all new hires and would go into effect in 90 days for all current employees.
Drug testing is conducted after industrial and vehicle accidents.
Copies of the policy, including consent to be tested randomly at any time, are signed by all employees and kept in the personnel records. All new hires are screened for drug use at company expense. They may start work but do so conditionally on a clean screen within six days. This procedure allows a reasonable opportunity for alcohol to pass through the system. Employees who test positive a second time are terminated.