Worker drug abuse hit new record

The number of workforce positive drug tests in the United States hit a 16-year high in 2019, according to Quest Diagnostics, a diagnostic testing and information services company.

Specific regions, particularly the Midwest, experienced dramatic increases in positivity for cocaine and methamphetamine as well as marijuana.

“There is no question that before COVID-19, rates of workplace drug positivity were trending in the wrong direction, based on our data,” says Dr. Barry Sample, senior director of science and technology for Quest.  “The enormous strain caused by COVID-19 may prove to be an accelerant on this disturbing trend. Organizations will need to consider the impact of COVID-19 not only on workplace safety but also as a health concern for their employees for some time to come.”