Architectural Landscaping, Inc., in Tucson, Arizona, creates "outdoor living environments" by installing pools, masonry, and retaining walls, as well as plants. The firm employs 32 people -- 12 administrative and clerical workers and 20 blue-collar field workers -- most of whom are in their early 20s. <>

In May 1990, employee in-field performance and attendance were unsatisfactory. Workers began exhibiting symptoms that kept them from performing their jobs in a safe and timely manner. After numerous complaints from clients, it became apparent that there was a problem.

The firm immediately contacted colleagues in similar businesses to ask for information regarding substance abuse and to get their suggestions for potential solutions to the problem. The other companies warned that for the first few months Architectural Landscaping would regret installing a substance abuse policy because of the turmoil it would create. It was a price worth paying; today, the company realizes that a substance abuse policy was the best thing it ever did.

A meeting was held for all employees to outline a zero-tolerance policy and to inform them that the policy was effective immediately for all new hires and would go into effect in 90 days for all current employees. Drug testing is conducted after industrial and vehicle accidents. Copies of the policy, including consent to be tested randomly at any time, are signed by all employees and kept in the personnel records.

All new hires are screened for drug use at company expense. They may start work but do so conditionally on a clean screen within six days. If an employee fails the initial test, he may request that the test be repeated at company expense; if he fails the second test, he must pay for it. This procedure allows a reasonable opportunity for alcohol to pass through the system. Employees who test positive a second time are terminated.

The cost of the program is minimal. An independent, offsite clinic administers the screening, which is done on the worker's time at a cost of $18. While cost savings are difficult to document, Architectural Landscaping feels its program ensures safe working conditions and has experienced improved morale -- proof that some rewards go beyond the financial.