The Risk You Might Not See Coming

Opioids mostly enter the workplace through a legitimate prescription after an injury. Over time, that prescription can quietly turn into a problem that puts safety, productivity, and employee wellbeing at risk. Especially in labor-heavy fields like construction, transportation, and manufacturing.

What Employers Need to Know

According to the CDC and NIOSH, workplace overdose deaths involving opioids are on the rise. And the National Safety Council reports that 75 percent of employers say their workplace has already been affected by opioid use. That’s three out of four.

Opioid misuse increases absenteeism, slows reaction time, reduces focus, and raises the risk of workplace injuries. For businesses, ignoring the issue isn’t an option.

Why Drug Testing Programs Make a Difference

Discourage misuse before it starts. An effective drug testing program sends a clear message that safety comes first.

Different testing methods offer different benefits depending on your industry, your work environment, and the window of detection you're targeting:

• Urine testing is the most common method, offering a cost-effective way to detect recent opioid use.
   
• Hair testing looks further back, up to 90 days, which makes it ideal for spotting long-term patterns.
   
• Saliva testing is quick and non-invasive, with a short detection window that’s useful for post-accident or for-cause testing.
   
• Nail testing (yes, fingernails) offers another long-term option, useful for comprehensive or legal-based testing programs.
   

Match the right test with the right situation.

Screening Strategies That Work

To stay ahead of the problem, employers in Idaho should lean into a layered approach. Here’s what that might include:

• Pre-employment testing helps you avoid bringing opioid misuse into your company in the first place.
   
• Random testing keeps employees alert and reduces the likelihood of on-the-job use.
   
• For-cause testing gives you a way to respond quickly when there’s a concern about behavior or safety.
   
• Post-accident testing protects your liability and supports accurate root-cause investigations.
   

Together, these methods help create a safer, more accountable workplace without singling anyone out unfairly.

Working Together for a Drug-Free Team

Fastest Labs of Meridian, is your local partner in creating safer workplaces throughout the Treasure Valley. We offer a wide range of drug testing options, including rapid urine tests, lab-based confirmations, hair, saliva, and nail testing. We can guide you through setting up a custom program that fits your industry, schedule, and risk level.

Our turnaround times are some of the fastest in the industry, and our team is trained to deliver clean, comfortable, and compliant experiences for your employees. Whether you’re hiring, responding to an incident, or building a long-term testing policy, we’ve got your back.

Reach out to Fastest Labs of Meridian today and take the first step toward a safer workplace.

📞 (208) 314-3833
🌐 www.fastestlabs.com/meridian