Every day Florida employers choose to establish certified drug-free workplace policies, to save money and be protected from workplace accidents that are caused by employees working under the influence of drugs and alcohol.  The benefits of becoming a carrier certified drug free workplace include: (1) employees are aware of the importance of safety in the workplace; (2) intoxicated workers that get hurt at work may forfeit eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits; (3) employees terminated for a positive drug/alcohol test may be disqualified for reemployment benefits; and (4) your company is eligible for a five (5) percent credit (annually) to your workers’ compensation premium!

Ten (10) steps to become a certified Florida drug-free workplace

1. Create a written drug-free workplace policy that follows the requirements of the Florida Statute.
2. Distribute an introductory letter to all current employees to announce the new policy and to provide the mandated 60-day notice for any drug testing requirements to apply to existing employees: (fitness for duty, reasonable suspicion are required – random is optional.)
3. Select a qualified drug testing facility and Medical Review Officer. The collection and testing must be done by a Florida approved testing facility.
4. Assemble a drug-free workplace binder that will be available to applicants and employees. It contains required community treatment resources and substance abuse information.  Create a list of employee assistance programs in the local area, with addresses and telephone numbers.
5. Obtain a signed acknowledgment of the new drug-free workplace policy from existing employees and future applicants.
6. Post a workplace Drug-Free Workplace poster for employees and applicants, and begin to include “drug-free workplace” or “DFWP” in all future job ads and postings. Also, add “drug-free workplace employer” to the Company’s Employment Application.
7. Apply for the Insurance Premium discount using the Application for Drug-Free Workplace Premium Credit Program form.
8. Perform (and document) training for supervisors on how to recognize employees that may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Create a reasonable suspicion form that can be used if needed.
9. Establish new hire procedures that include pre-employment drug testing, the signing of an acknowledgment of the drug-free workplace policy and consent to be tested. If an applicant tests positive for illegal drugs, prepare a letter to revoke a job offer or terminate employment based on the positive drug test.
10. Keep all drug testing results and related documents confidential. We recommend keeping all drug test documentation in an employee’s medical file (separate from the normal personnel file).

Start today!  Get your company certified by its workers’ compensation carrier so you can start receiving your 5% premium credit and supporting safety.  We have a turn-key process and all the documents & forms you need to get certified.  It does not matter who your workers’ compensation carrier is, we will assist you to get certified.