Pubdate: Fri, 2 Jun 2006
Source: DrugSense Weekly (DSW)
Website: http://www.drugsense.org/current.htm

LETTER OF THE WEEK

Court Decision on Workplace Impairment Distressing

By Bill Hildebrandt

As a Salem area employer, I wanted to comment on the recent decision 
from the Oregon Supreme Court regarding Robert Washburn's case.

My primary concern is with my employees' ability to function at work, 
and current drug testing programs fail to properly address this 
issue.  Since almost all workplace drug tests measure only the 
by-products of previous marijuana use, a patient such as Mr. Washburn 
may test positive without being impaired. Ironically, the 
prescription drugs allowed by the court wouldn't bar him from work, 
but may impact his performance more than the cannabis over which he 
lost his job.

I hope the Supreme Court's decision doesn't encourage other employers 
to abandon a rational and common-sense approach to workplace impairment.

Bill Hildebrandt

Lafayette

Pubdate: Mon, 22 May 2006

Source: Statesman Journal (Salem, OR)

Referenced: http://www.publications.ojd.state.or.us/S52254.htm 
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