05/03/2025
There is a one simple action that could save your company massive amounts of money today!
As an occupational medicine physician serving Missouri businesses, I’ve seen firsthand how workplace accidents can disrupt lives, teams, and operations. When an incident happens, one of the most critical steps employers can take is post-accident drug and alcohol testing. It’s not about pointing fingers—it’s about safety, accountability, and protecting everyone involved.
In Missouri, the workers' compensation laws allow for a possible reduction of compensation when an injured worker tests positive for non-prescribed controlled substances or alcohol after an accident. However, many employers do no make post-injury testing part of their standard protocol. By implementing this one step in all post-injury workers' compensation care plans, companies could benefit in several ways in addition to cost savings.
1. Ensuring a Safe Work Environment
Industries like construction, manufacturing, and transportation are the backbone of our economy. But they also carry risks. If an employee is impaired by drugs or alcohol, their reaction time, judgment, and coordination suffer—putting themselves and their coworkers in danger. Testing after an accident helps identify if substance use was a factor, so we can prevent repeat incidents and keep workplaces safe.
2. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Missouri employers aren’t just responsible for their teams—they’re accountable under state and federal laws. For example, the Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates post-accident testing for certain roles, like commercial drivers. Even in non-DOT settings, conducting these tests can protect your business from liability and show you’re serious about following best practices.
3. Supporting Fairness and Clarity
After an accident, questions swirl: What happened? Who’s at fault? Post-accident testing provides objective data to cut through the noise. It ensures no one is unfairly blamed and helps determine the root cause—whether it’s impairment, equipment failure, or something else. This clarity is vital for workers’ compensation claims, insurance processes, and maintaining trust within your team.
4. Deterrence and Prevention
When employees know testing is standard after an incident, it sends a clear message: impairment isn’t tolerated. This proactive approach can deter substance use on the job, reducing the likelihood of accidents in the first place.
At OccMedMD, we’ve worked with countless businesses across Missouri to implement effective post-accident testing programs. We’re here to make the process seamless and compliant. Accidents happen—but with the right response, we can minimize their impact and keep our workplaces thriving.
Have questions about setting up a testing protocol? Reach out to us at OccMedMD. Let’s keep Missouri workers safe, together.
10333 Clayton Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63131
314-370-2737
WC@OccMedMD.com
www.OccMedMD.com