SMALL BUSINESSES ARE OFTEN RELUCTANT TO DEAL WITH DRUG TESTING

The Printing Center in Springfield has required pre-employment drug
tests for just over three years.

In that time, two of 12 tests have come back positive.

"We let them (applicants) know any offer is contingent on passing that
drug screening," said Bob Saner, president and CEO.

The firm, which has 23 full-time employees, is among a growing number
of small companies venturing into drug screenings.

Saner said safety was a primary concern when his company decided to
include drug testing in its hiring policy. But he said productivity
and the workplace environment also were factors.

"We try to make people understand, we don't want them putting
themselves or their co-workers in danger," he said, adding that the
company considers the $50 cost of each test "an investment."

Small businesses are often reluctant to take on the costs and legal
issues associated with drug testing, said Freida Schreck, director of
Lincoln Land Community College Small Business Development Center.

"Sometimes small companies also utilize friends and family when they
get started. That can make it more difficult," said Schreck.

The center has sponsored a variety of drug-policy seminars for small
businesses, including a session this week at Lincoln Land.

The Mid-West Truckers Association and the Illinois Department of
Commerce and Community Affairs are jointly offering the seminars
statewide. In addition to sample screening policies, the seminars
outline state and federal programs that can help small businesses pay
the cost of a drug-testing program.

Don Schaefer, director of legislative affairs for the truckers
association, said the seminars are intended to help small companies
confront a problem that costs Illinois businesses an estimated $3
billion a year in reduced productivity, accidents and
absenteeism.

"It's basically to show companies what they can do to create a
drug-free workplace," he said.

The most common drug screening involves a "five-panel" test for the
presence of cocaine, methamphetamines, opiates, THC (marijuana) and
amphetamines, said Rose Garren, director of Midwest Occupational
Health Associates in Springfield.

Garren said basic tests, typically costing $35, can be completed in 30
minutes, though "positive" results are sent to a lab for
confirmation.

Cost might be the simplest issue for companies considering a
drug-screening policy, Garren said, noting that topics such as
employees' right to privacy, termination and the availability of
assistance programs also must be covered.

"They have to have a policy in place before they do this, and they
have to give the employees notice," she said.

Though federal law requires testing for certain transportation-related
industries, most companies have wide discretion in formulating a
workplace policy. And while pre-employment drug screening has become
common, more companies are taking the next step by requiring random
drug testing of existing employees.

The Printing Center policy includes the right to random testing,
particularly if there has been an accident on the job. Saner said
random tests, which apply to company executives as well as employees,
have not been needed.

But he believes the policy serves as a deterrent to workplace
substance abuse.

"I think everybody understands that by outlining these policies, we
are serious about this," he said.

Mike Boer, president of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce,
said some employers are reluctant to require testing for fear of
driving away scarce job applicants.

"The companies that have taken the time and done the work are pretty
happy about it," he said.

Boer said a chamber policy of pre-employment testing or testing on
"reasonable suspicion" is typical of what's being adopted by small and
mid-sized companies. He added that the chamber policy offers
counseling and other assistance as part of the testing program.

"If you have a good employee, just because they have a problem doesn't
mean you want to run them off," he said.

Information on the Drug-Free Workplace Program is available from the
Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs by calling (800)
252-8951. Information also is available on the department Web site,
www.commerce.state.il.us.

Tim Landis can be reached at 788-1536 or tim.landis@sj-r.com.