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 Drug Free Workplace One Source Warehouse Stocks Only Drug-Free Employees |
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Drug Free Workplace One Source Warehouse Stocks Only Drug-Free Employees |
One Source Warehouse is a wholesale automobile parts company in Houston, Texas, owned and operated by the Albee family. The Albees employ a total of 110 employees at the company's 10 locations. The work force consists of approximately 30 percent administrative and 70 percent driver and warehouse personnel.
About four years ago, the company was experiencing severe theft problems, accompanied by a high turnover rate among drivers and stockers. One driver worked for the company just one week before disappearing with one of the company's vans. Although neither the driver nor the van was ever seen again, the Albees learned from the man's wife that her husband had been involved in drugs. Although drivers were screened through reviews of their driving records, Shane Albee, vice president of the firm, became increasingly aware that "more often than not, if there was a problem, drugs were involved. It was bad for the company, bad for the employees, bad for the customers-we needed to do something about it, and we did."
Mr. Albee contacted a drug testing laboratory, which provided a consultant to help draft a company policy specifically addressing the needs of the company. After it was reviewed by a lawyer experienced in drug testing, the policy was announced and explained to all employees. Following a 30-day waiting period, during which time employees with substance abuse problems were encouraged to seek assistance, the policy was put into effect.
Employees were aware that they all were to be tested sometime after that 30-day period ended. Three walked out.
Now the company conducts pre-employment screening and post-accident testing and randomly tests 10 percent of its employees every month. While that averages out to roughly one test per year for each employee, there is no certainty for the odds. "With these random tests, you never know," says Albee. "The computer once picked me four months in a row." No one, not even the Albees, is exempt from drug testing.
If an employee fails a test once, he or she is referred to the employee assistance program included in the health insurance policy. The worker is then tested monthly for one year.
Alongside the company's uncompromising vigilance toward substance abuse remains a real commitment to its employees. "We're not trying to single people out," Albee explains. "If one of our workers has a problem, we want to help them solve it."
Shane Albee is satisfied that the drug-free work place program is a success. Theft has decreased dramatically-there have been no major thefts since the program was implemented. Accident rates among the drivers have decreased, and the automobile insurance rates have dwindled accordingly. Workers' compensation rates are "way down," according to Albee.
"I think we have a better work force," Albee says. When asked how the policy affects morale, he becomes thoughtful. "Everyone recognizes the problem we have in society today. I don't like it-I find giving a urine sample offensive myself! But no one wants to work around someone who's high all the time. The employees are supportive."
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