DRUG TESTING JUST MAKES SENSE

KANAWHA County school officials were shocked earlier this year to
learn that an elementary school principal had been arrested and
charged with possession of cocaine.

Dismayed, the board of education began talking about testing all
school employees for drugs.

The board's concern is not only understandable, it is necessary.
Children are required by law to attend schools. The board is
responsible for maintaining a safe environment there.

Not long thereafter, the issue came up in Putnam County. The county's
insurance carrier suggested the county amend its personnel policy to
require drug tests of new employees, random drug tests of employees
in safety-sensitive positions, and upon a supervisors' request,
testing of other employees suspected of being under the influence
while working.

The insurer also recommended that the county require background
checks, criminal records checks, and license checks of prospective
employees.

"The insurance industry wants us to manage our risk," said county
administrator Brian Donat.

Putnam County commissioners promptly agreed.

Kanawha County Commissioner Dave Hardy thinks Kanawha County should
adopt similar measures, particularly with respect to people in
safety-sensitive positions.

"If you look across this country, this is the path where most
employers have gone," Hardy said. "This is a very important attempt
that can reduce workers' compensation payments and help us out in the
long term."

Commission President Kent Carper is right. Such policies must be
carefully drawn, both to be fair and to hold costs down.

Taxpayers don't deserve to pay for damage suits from mishandled
employees any more than they deserve to pay damages for misconduct
caused by impaired employees.

But it's an able commission, capable of avoiding both dangers, so
full speed ahead.