What is Reasonable Suspicion Drug Testing?

And why is it Important for Your Workplace?

As an employer, you’ve likely implemented a wide range of safety measures to protect both your employees and the public. From hazard assessments to safety training and protective equipment, every step counts toward building a secure and productive work environment. But one often overlooked tool in your workplace safety toolkit is reasonable suspicion drug testing. When used appropriately, this type of testing can help prevent incidents before they occur, protect your workforce, and reinforce a culture of accountability.

Implementing reasonable suspicion drug testing is a crucial measure to improve workplace safety, especially when your workplace involves safety-sensitive roles and responsibilities like working with chemicals or specialty equipment. Employees under the influence can lead to devastating workplace accidents, injuries, and legal repercussions that simply aren’t worth the risk. 

In this blog, we’ll explore why reasonable suspicion drug testing is a critical—but often underestimated—component of workplace safety. You’ll learn what it is, why it matters, and how to implement it effectively to foster a safer, more responsible work environment.

What is Reasonable Suspicion Drug and Alcohol Testing?

Reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing is a workplace procedure used to determine whether or not an employee is impaired by drugs or alcohol at work. Reasonable suspicion in Canada is an important part of workplace safety, especially in high-risk workplaces.

There are many reasons an employer might have reasonable suspicions to test for drugs or alcohol in an employee. This can be physical evidence, like slurred speech or smelling of alcohol, or more cognitive evidence, like repeated mistakes. It can also include reliable reports from other employees who have suspicions or have noticed strange behaviour. 

Legal Framework and Workplace Policies in Canada

In Canadian workplaces, reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing must comply with specific laws and regulations designed to uphold both workplace safety and employee rights.

The Canadian Model for Providing a Safe Workplace: Alcohol and Drug Guidelines and Work Rule represents a collaborative approach to implementing workplace drug and alcohol testing. The COAA model closely follows the US DOT (CFR 49 Part 40) for alcohol and drug testing. Both sets of regulations address random testing and clarify that employers are permitted to test employees when there is reasonable cause to suspect impairment.

Even though employers can test based on reasonable suspicion, it’s important to maintain employees’ rights to privacy and dignity. It’s important to be reasonable about testing and how often it occurs, and to avoid making accusations. Your workplace should have a clear policy in place that explains when and how testing can occur, and what qualifies as reasonable suspicion, so that your employees understand when and why testing might occur. 

Signs of Impairment

A key part of maintaining a safe, drug-free workplace is being able to recognize the signs of drug and alcohol impairment. You and the other managers and supervisors in your workplace should be aware of the signs of impairment and be able to recognize them. Signs of impairment fall into three main categories: 

• Physical signs include slurred speech, bloodshot or watery eyes, poor coordination, tremors, and sweating.
• Behavioural indicators can include sudden mood swings, erratic behaviour, increased tardiness or extended breaks, and signs of paranoia. 
• Cognitive signs include confusion, poor concentration and inability to concentrate, delayed reactions, and difficulty following instructions.

If several indicators of impairment are present in an employee, you’re likely dealing with workplace impairment of some kind. Keep an eye out for these signs and teach your other supervisors to do the same, so you have grounds for reasonable suspicion drug testing when it’s needed. You may end up saving crucial time and avoiding a workplace inccident. 

What Supervisors Need to Know

As an employer, you and your supervisors serve as the first line of defense against workplace incidents related to impairment. That’s why it’s critical to equip your leadership team with the knowledge and confidence to recognize the signs—and take the right steps—when reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing is warranted.

Supervisors are responsible for recognizing the signs of impairment and taking action to keep others in the workplace safe. It’s important to act on these signs, but this must begin with proper documentation. 

When reasonable suspicion arises, it’s important to consistently document any physical, behavioral, or cognitive indicators of impairment throughout the employee relationship.

Supervisors should understand that their job is to document these signs over time and implement protocols such as reasonable suspicion drug testing, not to make accusations. It’s important to train your supervisors to act appropriately and according to protocol. 

Reasonable Suspicion Training and Support From CannAmm

It can be challenging to know where to start when you’re a workplace manager, especially when navigating drug and alcohol testing and protocols. CannAmm is here to help. We have many options available to help you make your workplace as safe as possible. 

For example, our Reasonable Cause Drug Testing Service or our online Drug & Alcohol Awareness Courses. These training programs will teach you to test properly and fully understand the signs to look for in employees, and how to document those signs. 

Reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing plays a vital role in maintaining a safe, productive workplace. Equally important is knowing how and when to carry it out properly. That’s why CannAmm provides specialized training and resources to help ensure your workplace remains safe, compliant with regulations, and respectful of employee privacy.

Let us help make your workplace safer. Contact us to learn more about CannAmm’s training courses. 

Reasonable Cause Drug Testing

Online Training Courses