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Blogs from October, 2025

How Drug Testing Helps in Lowering Workers’ Comp Premiums

It's not a surprise that accidents happen when employees are impaired. Drug or alcohol use can lead to errors in judgment, and injuries. Each injury can trigger a workers’ comp claim, and each claim adds to your company’s loss history.

Loss history is one of the key metrics insurers use to set your premium. Fewer incidents mean fewer claims. Fewer claims create a stronger loss history. And a stronger loss history is your ticket to better premium rates.

How Insurance Providers See It

Many insurers and rating organizations give policy credits or discounts to employers who build strong safety programs. Drug testing is a visible part of this.

In Idaho, workers’ compensation rates are managed by the Industrial Commission of Idaho using rates filed through NCCI. The 2025 filing shows a –6.7% decrease in the voluntary market statewide. That’s the baseline. Employers who implement stronger safety and drug testing programs often qualify for deeper adjustments or credits on top of the standard rate change.

Drug testing can give you leverage when negotiating your premium or qualifying for safety credits.

Making the Cost Case

A drug testing program is an investment. For example, investing a few thousand dollars per year in regular and random testing could prevent an injury that costs tens of thousands in medical expenses, lost time, and premium hikes. When you track your results and present them to your insurer, you have a solid case for credits or discounts.

Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Upfront costs feel steep - but they’re offset by long-term savings.
     
  • Poor program design undermines credibility - inconsistent testing or weak documentation won’t convince your insurer.
     
  • Compliance mistakes add risk - your program must meet state and federal rules, including consent and privacy.
     
  • Not all insurers weigh programs equally - presenting your data is just as important as running the program.
     

Consistency, transparency, and solid documentation are a must when you're looking into getting lower workers compensation premiums.

How Fastest Labs of Meridian Can Help You Get Lower Workers’ Compensation

Program Design

We’ll help you map out policies, testing frequency, and test types that align with federal, state, and industry standards.

On-Site & Mobile Testing

We bring the lab to your workplace in Meridian, Boise, or anywhere in the Treasure Valley. This cuts downtime and keeps your operation moving.

Employee Monitoring & Random Testing

From post-accident to for-cause or random testing, we provide confidential, compliant services that meet your needs.

Clear, Reliable Reporting

Accurate reports give you the evidence you need to show your insurer. We track and present data so you can demonstrate your commitment to safety.

Comprehensive Employer Services

We offer a full suite of workplace testing services so your HR and safety teams can manage fewer vendors and streamline compliance.

Ready to make workers’ comp costs less? Fastest Labs of Meridian can help you design, manage, and document a program that shows your insurer you mean business.

Contact us now:

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

 

Sources:

National Council on Compensation Insurance, Inc. (2025, January). Idaho 1.1.2025 rate filing [PDF]. Idaho Industrial Commission. https://iic.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/NCCI-ID-1.1.2025-Rate-Filing.pdf