The Finnish Public Health Institute estimates that employee drug testing has skyrocketed from 50, 000 tests annually, up to 100,000. Current legislation stipulates that all new employees coming into jobs with special safety requirements must be tested.
But the practice is increasingly becoming a part of the recruitment process for permanent employees in other fields, such as the banking and insurance industries. Businesses are also introducing substance abuse programmes in which drug testing is part and parcel of the package.
Drug testing has also increased considerably at the labs of the Finnish Public Health Institute. Sirpa Mykkänen, Special Researcher at the Institute, says tests there have increased by 50 - 60 percent over the period of a few years.
Drug testing isn't a sure-fire way to prevent drug use, but it can send a strong message about a company's opposition to drug use. In practice, would-be employees who avoid drug tests or turn in positive results don't get the job. And current employees who are suspected of using drugs may be obligated to take the test. Those who refuse the test or are found to be using drugs are closely monitored. In worst-case scenarios they may lose their jobs.
Lab results show that on average positive readings for drug use consistently turn up in 1 - 2 percent of cases.
By the end of the year, the Finnish Public Health Institute, the Institute of Occupational Health and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health will determine how many workplace drug tests are required and on what basis. At the same time, they will map out how well the system has worked since it was introduced a few years ago.