Grappling with the maze of marijuana laws and your company policy? On this episode, Bill Judge of Drug Screening Compliance Institute talks about considerations for employers to create and enforce drug-testing policies that are consistent with the laws in all of the states in which they operate – as well as best practices for addressing safety-sensitive roles. Guest: William J. Judge, JD, LL.M. Drug Screening Compliance Institute bjudge@drugscreeningci.com www.askbilljudge.com Resources: At the federal level, marijuana is listed as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Many federal contractors and all federal grantees are required by law to establish and maintain a drug-free workplace policy. In addition, some federal agencies have rules in place for specific industries/occupations that require employers to have drug testing programs. For example, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have adopted drug testing rules for certain drivers. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides guidance to employers on how to implement drug-free workplaces that will comply with federal laws. States are continuing to legalize marijuana, either for medical use, recreational use, or both. Here are maps of where things currently stand in September 2022. State laws may dictate how (and to what extent) employers can do pre-employment screenings, drug testing, or make employment decisions based on an employee’s drug use. Many employers choose to drug test employees because of safety-sensitive positions, reductions in rates for workers’ compensation insurance, or to ensure that their employees are not impaired on the job. It is particularly important that construction companies review current policies and evaluate the need for changes – based on evolving marijuana laws and to ensure employee safety and reduce company risk.

Take the brief survey to help AGC of America help better communicate to public and private owners about how continuing construction materials shortages, long lead times and price volatility are impacting the construction industry.

The Associated General Contractors of America is launching a new effort to combat high suicide rates and improve mental health among the industry’s workers, the trade group announced today. The new effort, which the association is launching as part of its support for suicide prevention month, is designed to address the high rate of suicide among construction workers.

The Associated General Contractors of America is launching a new effort to combat high suicide rates and improve mental health among the industry’s workers, the trade group announced today. The new effort, which the association is launching as part of its support for suicide prevention month, is designed to address the high rate of suicide among construction workers.

Construction firms added 16,000 jobs in August, according to an analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said their newly released survey, conducted with Autodesk, showed contractors are eager to hire more employees but are being stymied by a dearth of qualified workers.

Total construction spending decreased by 0.4 percent in July as spending on new houses and apartments tumbled, overshadowing a pickup in private nonresidential and public construction, according to an analysis the Associated General Contractors of America released today of federal spending data. Association officials said their newly released survey, conducted with Autodesk, showed labor shortages and supply chain problems are limiting their ability to complete projects, likely undermining total construction spending levels.