Local businesses just say no to substance abuse. (drug detection and prevention policies)

Local businesses just say no to substance abuse

Nearly 5 percent of the 500-person workforce at Kinetic Concepts Inc. - or about 25 people - were quietly fired two months ago after a sweeping, randomly timed drug test at the local therapeutic bed manufacturer.

While officials declined to give further details, management at the company was not surprised at the number and felt that the percentage was actually low, says KCI spokesperson Lyn Leeburg. The company would not reveal what drugs were found in the systems of the terminated employees. Leeburg says the positions left by terminated employees were quickly filled and business is continuing as usual.

While the layoffs at Kinetic Concepts are some of the largest in the city related to drug-testing, company officials are downplaying the event. Indeed, they point out that their numbers are low compared to the 10 percent national average of drug abusers in the work force, Leeburg says.

KCI is not alone in its attack on drugs. The awareness that substance abuse does affect the work environment by increasing employee absences and accidents, has forced many San Antonio companies to institute drug detection and prevention policies that aim to terminate those who hide the …