April 3, 2014. Employers have the right to test job applicants and existing employees for illegal drugs and alcohol in the workplace. States vary in their respective jurisdictions on what the rules are for such testing and how to respond to positive testing results. For instance, in Iowa, Post-Accident Testing requiring employees to submit to an alcohol and/or drug test in connection with your company's investigation of workplace accidents can only occur in a reportable personal injury or as a result of property damage, including equipment, estimated at the time of accident exceeding $1,000.00. If an employer wishes to perform periodic random testing for illegal drugs, there are certain protocols and requirements that must be met in order to do so under Iowa law. The bottom line is, employers need to be aware of what the laws are in each state they do business.
For more information about risk management and workplace drug and alcohol policies, contact the Goosmann Law Firm at info@goosmannlaw.com or call 712-226-4000.
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