AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Labor has issued the 2015 Annual Report on Substance Abuse Testing by Maine Employers. The highest percentage of positive tests occurred in 2015, at 5 percent. Many employers use a common five-panel test including cannabinoids (marijuana), amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, and phencyclidine. Cannabinoids accounted for 84.1 percent of all positive test results.

The report is available at maine.gov/labor/labor_stats/publications/substanceabuse/index.html.

"Using substances that cause impairment while at work endangers not only the worker taking the drug but also co-workers and clients," stated Governor Paul R. LePage in a news release. "Maine must provide employers the appropriate tools to retain valuable workers while maintaining a safe environment."

The report covers testing of both job applicants and employees, with the vast majority being applicant testing. Both the number of tests administered and the number of positive results fell during the recession and have trended up during the recovery.

The findings of this report support the department's proposed changes to the current statute in LD 1384, An Act To Improve Workplace Safety by Simplifying and Improving Employers' Substance Abuse Policy Requirements. This bill was scheduled for a work session on Wednesday, March 9, at 1 p.m. with the Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development.

LD 1384 is based on the recommendations of the 2016 Report on Substance Abuse, Marijuana, Medical Marijuana and the Maine Employer Substance Abuse Testing Law (available online at maine.gov/labor/labor_stats/research.html under the heading Other Reports).

"This all-time high of positive workplace drug tests indicates that we are right to be concerned about the effect of drugs on worker safety. The amendments that the department has offered will help both employees and employers who worry about impairment on the job," stated Commissioner of Labor Jeanne Paquette.