Definition - What does controlled substance mean?
A controlled substance is a substance that is not freely available. Prescription drugs, illegal drugs, alcohol, certain inhaled chemicals, and any other substance that is controlled by state or federal law is considered a controlled substance. Employers have a serious responsibility in terms of preserving the safety of its workers, including ones who abuse controlled substances. Employees who are under the influence pose a primary threat to themselves and others while secondary ramifications to the company include limiting production and raising company costs as they work to combat the use of a controlled substance.
SureHire explains controlled substance
A controlled substance can relate to a categorical range of substances that are regulated. These are often narcotics and/or prescription drugs to which employees are subject to becoming dependent upon. Employees who have an addiction to these chemicals are an endangerment to themselves and their coworkers. Employers often have a drug and alcohol policy and its related testing as a method of determining whether or not a specific employee or applicant has a controlled substance in their system. The ramifications can be extensive for employees and employers alike, causing more on-site accidents, relationship conflicts, productivity decline, and substantial liability issues along with higher insurance rates and slowed production volume.
