DARRPP: The New Frontier — Random Drug Testing

Alcohol and drug testing, a controversial labour relations issue in Alberta — as in other jurisdictions — has generated numerous labour arbitrations and human rights issues for Alberta-based employers.

The megaprojects in northern Alberta have created ripe environments for the potential misuse of alcohol and drugs in the workplace. With large construction projects, virtually all of which are of a safety-sensitive nature, and large industrial workforce living in northern work camps and earning significant amounts of compensation, the misuse of alcohol and drugs is a major concern for project owners (typically major energy companies), as well as for the contractors and subcontractors who employ thousands of employees on worksites.