It’s no secret there is a major drug crisis, particularly involving opioids, in the U.S. Drug use by even one employee in the workplace can significantly increase frequency and severity of workplace accidents, and thus increase risk for business owners. Business owners and managers might also have concerns that the drug issues in the workplace extend beyond a single employee. Drug trafficking among employees within a single workplace is a growing problem. Let’s look at some signs of drug problems in the workplace and how hiring a private investigator can help.
Signs of Drugs in the Workplace: Individual
Whether it is one employee or several, drug use in the workplace or coming to work under the influence of drugs is a serious issue for any business. If you suspect you have an employee or a couple who might be either using at work or arriving under the influence, here are a few signs to look for:
- Changes in quality of work performance and productivity
- Call off or arrive late significantly more than other employees
- Paranoid or extreme reaction to suggestions or corrections
- Changes in personal hygiene and appearance
- Changes in behavior causing conflict with co-workers
- Increase in workplace accidents
- Seeking workman’s compensation for unusual or inappropriate reasons (drug users are 5 times more likely to seek workman’s comp)
Signs of Drugs in the Workplace: Trafficking Among Employees
If you notice multiple employees displaying the above signs of drug use, it could be possible you have a more serious problem in the form of trafficking among employees. While this is not a guarantee, having multiple employees suspected of drug use during or before work is a risk factor for trafficking within the workplace. Here are a few other signs to look for among a group of employees:
- Employees frequently meeting in bathrooms or other areas without cameras or surveillance
- Increase in number of expensive belongings such as jewelry and personal electronics, such as cell phones
- Repeatedly finding cameras and other theft-prevention devices purposely disabled
- Anonymous reports from co-workers about suspicious or witnessed drug-related activity
How a Private Investigator Can Help
Drugs in the workplace can be difficult to prove, particularly if there are multiple employees and possible trafficking involved. A private investigator can help gather appropriate evidence in accordance with the law and even go undercover within your business to get the truth. Here are a few things private investigators can do to help you find the truth about drugs in your workplace:
- Add hidden cameras for additional surveillance employees are not aware of (depends on state laws)
- Coordinate randomized drug testing
- Perform detailed background checks
- Go undercover as an employee to gather necessary evidence and determine the extent of the problem and employees involved
Drugs in the workplace are a serious risk for any business owner. Enlisting the services of a private investigator can help uncover drug issues with individual employees or larger problems involving multiple employees and drug trafficking in the workplace. A private investigator can also gather evidence needed in a way that is admissible in court should any legal proceedings occur.
