For casinos, security is of great importance. Large amounts of money flow through a casino, which is a great temptation to most people. Stealing by both players and employees has to be monitored. Due to this fact, it is critical for employers in the casino industry to ensure a sound workplace drug testing program is in place for those applying for this kind of job.
The purpose of workplace drug testing in the casino industry is to deter the abuse of drugs, prevent the hiring of employees who use illegal drugs and provide early identification and referral to treatment of employees with alcohol or drug problems. Pre-employment drug testing is conducted to prevent the hiring of employees who are using drugs. It is extremely cost-effective to set up a drug testing program since most drug users will not bother applying at companies in the casino industry that conduct background screening and pre-employment drug testing. Post-accident testing is the most effective way to reduce workplace accidents. Reasonable suspicion drug testing helps minimize potential liability resulting from drug or alcohol abuse. Random workplace drug testing is the most cost-effective process to deter drug abuse in casinos and the fastest way to convey a drug-free workplace to employees. Employees in casino industry who value their job are less likely to use drugs with the knowledge that they are subject to a drug test at any given time.
Drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace negatively affects U.S. industry and costs countless dollars. It entails lost productivity, increased worker's compensation claims, employee absenteeism, low morale, and increased illness. The casino industry loses countless dollars due to employees' alcohol and drug use and related problems. Research shows that drug and alcohol use varies by occupation and industry. Studies have also indicated that employers vary in there workplace drug testing programs and treatment of drug and alcohol use issues and that workplace-based employee assistance programs (EAP) can be a valuable resource for obtaining help for workers who abuse drugs or alcohol.
After detection due to implemented workplace drug testing programs, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) help employees and their families address the wide range of personal problems that stem from drug abuse. They function to assess the nature and seriousness of the alcohol or other drug problem, and when treatment is necessary, to direct the employee to the most appropriate treatment program. They also have an important role in monitoring an employee's progress until the treatment program is complete. A viable EAP related to workers in the casino industry is a significant cost benefit and does much to restore employees with drug abuse problems to good health and well being.