The overall goal of this study was to add to the limited pool of literature that supports the fact that substance use in the workplace directly affects workers’ safety.  The design of the study included examining four issues regarding workplace drug testing:  whether the incidence of workers’ compensation claims were influenced by the PADT program; which demographic groups responded most to the PADT policy; which factors influenced a positive drug-test result; and whether some portion of the drop in claims could be assigned to underreporting accidents.   In addition, the authors note that the implementation of a PADT program must consider the individual employee’s decisions regarding substance use such as the choice to take illegal drugs or not; the choice to report an occupational injury if one occurs; and the choice to take extra care in an effort to avoid an accident. 

The study’s findings reveal that the PADT program directly influenced workers’ compensation claims.  Indemnity workers’ compensation claims (accident-related) declined most significantly at the beginning of the program and then later stabilized to a level similar to the pre-PADT time.  “Medical only” and “information only” claims fell significantly as well, and the rate of claims has continued to stay low in the company.  This drop in claims is attributed to those employees who value their jobs the most, meaning those who have higher-tenure and work full-time are least likely to test positive for drugs as a result of reporting an accident.  The study also determined that men were “significantly more likely” to test positive for illegal drug use and that workers with the most to lose from testing positive stopped reporting injuries. 

Of the findings regarding employee behavior, the most significant revolves around accident reporting.  The study raises the question of whether the employees have truly reduced drug use, taken greater care and become less accident prone as a result of the PADT program or whether the “severity and/or ‘hideability’ of the injury” was such that accidents go unreported.  The authors of the study give evidence of a national trend in the decline of reported work-related injuries and suggest that this particular issue is an area in need of further research.

The study raises the issue of drug testing in the workplace, reporting injuries and accidents and increasing worker safety as a result of drug-testing programs.  Before implementing any kind of drug-testing program, however, there are many issues employers and employees must take into consideration in order to ensure program effectiveness and worker safety.  The U.S. Department of Labor’s Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace Web site provides tools and resources that can assist in implementing drug testing as part of a comprehensive drug-free workplace program.  The Web site includes a policy builder which can assist in composing a written policy that provides employees with clear expectations about workplace safety.  It also includes education and assistance for workers who may have drug problems.