This article was originally published by Metal Construction News in March 2025.
Metal construction workers rely on powerful machinery to complete their jobs. While working with these machines is essential, it poses serious safety risks. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction was the deadliest industry in 2022, with 1,069 fatalities. This translates to a fatality rate of 9.6 per 100,000 full-time workers.
To maintain a secure work environment, metal construction companies must implement proactive safety measures tailored to specific equipment and processes. As a result, safety managers will resort to drug screening and background checks to help curb safety risks.
Understanding the risks in metal construction
The metal construction industry involves various high-risk activities, including welding, cutting, erecting steel structures, and utilizing large and risky machinery like cranes or carts. These tasks require precision, focus, and physical strength. Any impairment, whether due to substance abuse or behavioral issues, can lead to severe accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.
Consider this scenario: an employee regularly oversees the inspection and maintenance of machinery to ensure proper functionality and safety features are working correctly. Now imagine this same employee is still under the influence of alcohol from the night before. Due to their impairment, they forgot to ensure all guards and safety shields were present and functioning correctly. This puts themselves, other employees, and the entire company at significant risk of injuries and legal repercussions.
This is just one hypothetical example of how minor impairment can significantly compromise worker safety. Reaction times slow down, making it difficult to avoid hazards or operate machinery safely. Judgment becomes clouded, leading to poor decisions and disregard for safety protocols. Impairment can also cause clumsiness, increasing the risk of slips, trips, and falls—especially in professions requiring precise movements. Some substances can even heighten aggression, potentially escalating conflicts and creating a hostile work environment.
These factors contribute to a higher risk of accidents, which can have devastating consequences for workers, their families, and the company. Direct costs associated with accidents include medical bills, lost productivity, and potential lawsuits. Indirect costs, such as damage to equipment and materials, can also be substantial. Metal construction businesses must prioritize robust background and drug screening programs to mitigate these risks.
By prioritizing these safety measures, metal construction companies can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, creating a safer work environment for their employees. Remember, safety is not just about following guidelines; it is about a collective responsibility to build a culture where everyone prioritizes well-being and protects themselves and their colleagues.
Drug testing methods
Drug testing is a crucial tool to achieve the goal of safety. Companies can utilize various methods, like pre-employment screening, to identify potential drug users before hiring them. Random testing discourages current employees from drug use by keeping them on their toes, and reasonable suspicion testing allows for immediate intervention if an employee shows signs of impairment on the job. Finally, post-accident testing helps determine if drugs or alcohol played a role in a work-related incident.
Partnering with a reputable screening company ensures a reliable testing process. These companies should offer various testing options to suit a company’s specific needs. Strict chain-of-custody procedures guarantee the integrity of collected samples. Timely results allow for swift action when necessary. Lastly, clear communication is essential. Employers should collaborate with legal counsel to identify state laws governing drug testing to develop a written policy addressing a company’s stance on drug and alcohol use. This policy should detail the drug testing and background check procedures, ensuring everyone understands the safety expectations.
The benefits of drug screening
Construction workers are disproportionately impacted by substance abuse, with nearly twice the national average having a disorder. Contributing factors include a high rate of heavy alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, and opioid prescriptions for pain management. The industry spends more on opioids than any other, with opioid use accounting for 20 percent of construction workers who are especially susceptible to substance abuse due to the prevalence of injuries. This epidemic is why construction companies must implement a comprehensive drug testing program, sending a clear message that safety is a top priority.
Drug screening and background checks are not merely administrative procedures, but critical components of a comprehensive safety strategy. By thoroughly vetting prospective employees and conducting periodic screenings for existing staff, metal construction companies can identify and address potential risks before they escalate into hazardous situations. Stringent screening protocols also instill confidence among clients and stakeholders.
Continuous drug screening, combined with innovative solutions, represents the pinnacle of workplace safety protocols. Unlike one-time screenings, which may only provide a snapshot at a particular moment, continuous screening offers ongoing monitoring and detection capabilities. This proactive approach enables employers to swiftly intervene in cases of substance abuse, thereby preventing accidents and ensuring the well-being of all workers on-site.
Additional benefits include:
Sharper focus, stronger teams
Drug use can seriously hinder productivity. A colleague’s drinking habits or drug use, on or off the job, threaten their safety and ability to get things done. Workers under the influence are more likely to make mistakes and be less productive overall. Drug screening helps create a team environment where everyone is alert, dependable, and performing at their peak.
Enhanced safety performance
Fewer injuries also reduce workers’ compensation costs and boost employee morale, creating a positive ripple effect. A proven safety record is also a competitive advantage, attracting clients who prioritize a safe work environment.
Streamlined efficiency
Modern platforms are revolutionizing the hiring process for construction companies by automating tedious tasks to streamline background checks and drug testing, freeing up valuable time. For instance, they can instantly verify certifications through integrations with national databases, eliminating manual work and reducing errors. Additionally, they can send electronic questionnaires to references, streamlining the process and ensuring consistency.
Finally, integrating applicant tracking systems with these platforms creates a central hub for managing the hiring process, fostering better organization and communication. By automating these once-burdensome tasks, construction companies can focus their energy on what truly matters—conducting in-depth interviews and making informed hiring decisions.
Compliance and trust
Building trust with potential hires is crucial. Partnering with an accredited consumer reporting agency (CRA) for background screening achieves just that. Accredited CRAs ensure legal compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), protecting your company from legalities. They also prioritize data security and verification methods, providing accurate information that builds trust with candidates. Further, their established dispute resolution process safeguards the company and the applicant. Choosing an accredited CRA demonstrates a commitment to ethical and legal hiring practices, fostering a positive employer brand and attracting top talent.
Reduced costs, increased ROI
Advanced platforms save time and money by automating tasks and reducing turnover through better hiring decisions. These solutions can also go beyond the basics of background screenings and drug tests by offering skills assessments and cultural fit insights to ensure qualified individuals who complement your company culture.
Accountability and excellence
Drug testing and background checks mitigate risks, protecting employees and projects. These practices become cornerstones of a safety strategy that fosters accountability and responsibility and upholds the highest industry standards. By integrating advanced safety measures and promoting a safety culture, metal construction companies can protect their workforce and maintain the highest standards of operational excellence.
Workplace safety, especially in a demanding occupation like metal construction, should never be a choice—it must be a prioritized investment. A smooth and efficient screening process reflects well on your company and attracts qualified candidates. By prioritizing employee well-being, you cultivate safety as a core value, influencing subcontractors, suppliers, and stakeholders.
Tom Ellis serves as executive vice president of protection services for Shield Screening, a leader in employment background screening. With more than 30 years of business and IT consulting and senior management experiences, Tom’s focus is on driving profitable global growth and employee engagement. Before Shield Screening, Tom led global operations for First Advantage, the largest global background screening organization. Tom holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Northwestern University, is active in his community, and spends time working with his district’s high school business department.
This information should not be relied upon as legal advice. Readers and/or companies need to consult their own legal counsel about their compliance responsibilities under the FCRA and applicable state and local laws.
