For employers involved with federal contracts, the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act imposes requirements that are not generally applicable to other employers. The Act applies to all federal contractors with contracts in excess of $100,000. Covered employers must take certain measures including the following:
- Publish and give a policy statement to employees informing them that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited;
- State penalties for violating the policy, and establish a drug-free awareness program;
- Impose a penalty or require satisfactory participation in a rehabilitation program by any employee who is convicted of a reportable workplace drug conviction;
- Make an ongoing, good-faith effort to maintain a drug-free workplace.
These are only some of the Act’s requirements. We recommend that federal contractors include a Drug Free Workplace Act section in their employee handbook to comply with the Act.
