Which group of employees is most heavily affected by substance abuse policies?

The group most heavily affected by substance abuse policies is safety-sensitive employees. This is due to the nature of their jobs, which typically involve operating machinery, driving vehicles, or working in environments where impairment due to substance use could lead to serious injuries or accidents. Because safety-sensitive roles carry a higher risk of harm not only to the employees themselves but also to others, organizations enforce stricter substance abuse policies to ensure a safe workplace.

In these roles, employees are often required to undergo regular drug testing and comply with strict guidelines to mitigate the risks associated with substance abuse. This diligence is essential in industries such as transportation, construction, and healthcare, where the consequences of substance impairment can be severe. Therefore, safety-sensitive employees are the primary focus of substance abuse policies to uphold safety standards and protect both individuals and the public.