LETTER OF THE WEEK

Court Decision on Workplace Impairment Distressing

By Bill Hildebrandt

As a Salem area employer, I wanted to comment on the recent decision
from the Oregon Supreme Court regarding Robert Washburn's case.

My primary concern is with my employees' ability to function at work,
and current drug testing programs fail to properly address this
issue. Since almost all workplace drug tests measure only the
by-products of previous marijuana use, a patient such as Mr. Washburn
may test positive without being impaired. Ironically, the
prescription drugs allowed by the court wouldn't bar him from work,
but may impact his performance more than the cannabis over which he
lost his job.

I hope the Supreme Court's decision doesn't encourage other employers
to abandon a rational and common-sense approach to workplace impairment.

Bill Hildebrandt

Lafayette

Pubdate: Mon, 22 May 2006

Source: Statesman Journal (Salem, OR)

Referenced: http://www.publications.ojd.state.or.us/S52254.htm