Mandatory drug testing

The majority of employers have adopted mandatory random drug testing on their employees, arguing that the enormous damage caused by the pervasive use of drugs in our society carries over into the workplace. Typically the tests involve taking urine or blood samples under close observation, thereby raising questions about personal privacy as well as privacy issues regarding drug use away from the workplace that is revealed by the tests.

Present & defend your view concerning mandatory drug tests at the workplace.

In your answer, take account of the argument that, except where safety is a clear & present danger, as in the work of pilots, police & the military, such tests are unjustified. Employera have a right to the level of performance for which they pay employees, a level typically specified in contracts & job descriptions. When a particular employee fails to meet that level of performance, then employers will take appropriate disciplinary action based on observable behaviour. Either way, it is employee performance that is relevant in evaluating employees, not drug use per se.

What do you think?

Over the years, I have met and had the pleasure of knowing people who are basically drug addicts. Most of the times they didn't even show up when we were close to each other and gathered with our friends, especially as they choose that time to gather and dope and not answer their parents phone calls. Guess who gets to cover that family issue when they can't reach them plus rearranging a story to tell them they are asleep or they are studying or whatsoever ? Yes,  it was always me since I had the most clear reputation in front of their parents. You get old really fast. Another aspect is that drug users, even if they do show up for attending classes or work, well, they are likely to be either high or hung over. This can create safety issues.

Here's two examples: a guy I knew who was a pot smoker, well, he managed to put his hand into a running meat grinder. He lost 3 fingers while he was studying abroad and away from his family. Another girl I used to study with cut off a third of one finger using a meat slicer.

People who are high or hung over do not pay attention to details. This may mean that they go to mop the floor in a grocery store for instance, but neglect to put out the 'Caution - Wet Floor' signs. Then, if a customer slips and falls due to the wet floor with no warning signs, the customer can sue the store, and will likely win the lawsuit. (Although the customer may need a hip replacement or hip surgery or back surgery, yet even that probably would be covered by the lawsuit.)

It's a tricky question.
Should I allow my employees if I am the employer to get high on their off hours?
That is indeed their free time, and I have no right to tell them what to do in their off hours.
Yet, as a employer, I cannot have lawsuits based on drugged out employees.

Overall, as an employer, I have every right to have a drug-testing policy for my employees, mainly to reduce the chances of the aforementioned outcomes due to employees who might be drug users.  Drug testing saves lives, That's the bottom line.