The trend toward legalizing the use of recreational pot across the nation shows no sign of stopping. Despite the fact that marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, and recreational use is still prohibited in many states including Iowa, rapid legalization by several states along with a more relaxed attitude toward marijuana use in general represents a challenge to employers trying to establish clear workplace drug policies.
Marijuana Impairment at Work
A comprehensive study of available research offers substantial evidence linking marijuana use to a 20 to 30 percent increase in being involved in a car accident. As of yet, there is little concrete evidence to support or refute a direct correlation between marijuana use and workplace injuries, but experts say that cognitive and physical effects of marijuana represent a danger on and off the job.
Drug Testing Following a Workplace Accident
Unlike alcohol impairment, marijuana is stored in the fatty tissue in the body and release over time, anywhere from hours to weeks. Even though tests do not necessarily predict or consistently measure impairment, a positive test for marijuana use following a workplace accident, may put an employee’s job in jeopardy.
Wrongful Termination | Denial of Workers Compensation
Eliminating gray areas with regard drug testing procedures following a work place accident will ensure that employees are not subject to adverse employment actions for lack of information.
If You Were Fired From Your Job After Drug Testing
Contact an Experienced Team of Iowa Wrongful Termination Lawyers For Help
If you have been fired or suffered retaliation from your employer based on a drug test taken after reporting a workplace accident, you may have a wrongful termination or employment retaliation case. Contact the Des Moines employment law and workers’ compensation attorneys of Stoltze & Stoltze PLC for a free consultation 515-244-1473.
