The majority of employers have
adopted mandatory random drug testing on their employees, arguing that the
enormous damage caused by the pervasive use of drugs in our society carries
over into the workplace. Typically the tests involve taking urine or blood
samples under close observation, thereby raising questions about personal
privacy as well as privacy issues regarding drug use away from the workplace
that is revealed by the tests.
Present & defend your view concerning mandatory drug tests at the workplace.
In your answer, take account of the argument that, except where safety is a clear & present danger, as in the work of pilots, police & the military, such tests are unjustified. Employera have a right to the level of performance for which they pay employees, a level typically specified in contracts & job descriptions. When a particular employee fails to meet that level of performance, then employers will take appropriate disciplinary action based on observable behaviour. Either way, it is employee performance that is relevant in evaluating employees, not drug use per se.
What do you think?
Present & defend your view concerning mandatory drug tests at the workplace.
In your answer, take account of the argument that, except where safety is a clear & present danger, as in the work of pilots, police & the military, such tests are unjustified. Employera have a right to the level of performance for which they pay employees, a level typically specified in contracts & job descriptions. When a particular employee fails to meet that level of performance, then employers will take appropriate disciplinary action based on observable behaviour. Either way, it is employee performance that is relevant in evaluating employees, not drug use per se.
What do you think?
In my point of view, safety is everything. Safety of people, environment and properties. Such tests could
be justified and acceptable in specific jobs like, pilots, drivers and policemen
and similar jobs. Because any reckless behavior would cost a lot, and may reach to
a level of losing lives. So in such cases and circumstances this mandatory
test is for everyone’s good. On the other hand, there are some jobs and occupations,
where it doesn't matter whether the employee is a drug user or not. In this situation it’s unethical to
force the employees to do mandatory drug tests, because this is something
personal and private. So the rule here which gives the justification to
this mandatory test is the job nature; if any absence of mind could lead to big
losses especially loss of life; this test is a must. If it’s not, in this case, this
test will be unjustified and inappropriate.
Mike W. Martin & Roland Schinzinger, Introduction to Engineering Ethics, 2nd edition, McGraw-Hill, Noew York, 2010, p. 156
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