Construction apprentices' attitudes to workplace drug testing in Ireland.

Abstract

Ireland has become one of the first European countries to legislate for workplace drug testing. However, little is known about the attitudes of Irish workers towards various aspects of workplace drug testing programmes. This paper aims to address this matter by presenting the findings of a survey of construction apprentices and their attitudes to workplace drug testing. The results indicate that under some circumstances there is approval for tests; testing with advance warning is preferred to random testing. In addition, the practice of workplace drug testing in a company would not deter most respondents from applying for a position there. However, attitudes towards most aspects of drug testing - such as the need for random testing, the right of employers to test for drugs, and infringement of personal rights - are characterised by extreme variability. Higher self-reported frequency of alcohol and drug use, particularly of cannabis, was associated with more negative reactions towards workplace drug testing. The implications of implementing workplace drug testing programmes are discussed.