Construction Industry
Construction is a high-risk industry where one bad hire can endanger an entire worksite. With skilled labor shortages making it tempting to skip screening steps, companies might rush to fill positions. However, construction work involves heavy machinery, heights, and power tools, so employers can't afford to cut corners.
At the end of the day, construction companies have a duty to protect their crew, their clients, and their reputation. Background checks help spot red flags like criminal history or fake credentials, and drug tests help make sure no one comes to work impaired. These precautions directly translate to fewer on-site injuries, a safer work environment, and greater trust with project owners.
Job site safety starts with smart screening. Call (888) 378-2499 or register online for construction employee testing services.

Drug Testing Statistics for Construction Industry
According to a survey conducted by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration):
- Construction workers are 7 times more likely to die from an opioid overdose than people in other types of work.
- About 1 in 7 construction workers had a substance use disorder in 2023—more than the average of all full-time employees.
- About 1 in 9 construction workers used illegal drugs in July 2024.
- Around 1 in 6 construction workers said they drank heavily in July 2024—nearly twice as much as workers in other fields.
- In 2020, over 1,000 construction workers died on the job.
- In 2022, the construction industry made up nearly 20% of all workplace deaths.
- The top four causes of construction worker fatalities are falls, electrocutions, being struck by an object, and being caught in or between objects.
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Why Background Checks Are Important in Construction
Given the physical demands and potential hazards of construction work, employers need to verify that their employees are qualified and trustworthy. Construction background checks can help screen for criminal convictions, confirm employment history, and verify licenses and certifications.
These checks ensure that workers meet industry standards, including those set by OSHA, and help reduce risks such as theft or accidents caused by unqualified personnel. Employers must also comply with legal requirements like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which regulate how background checks are conducted.
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Why Occupational Health Testing Matters in Construction
Construction workers are at a heightened risk for various health issues. For example, inhaling silica dust can lead to silicosis, a severe lung disease. Recent reports have highlighted alarming increases in silicosis cases among workers exposed to silica dust. Additionally, approximately 14% of construction workers experience hearing problems, with 7% reporting tinnitus.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates several health and safety standards specific to the construction industry:
- Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134): Requires employers to provide appropriate respirators, ensure medical evaluations and fit testing, train employees, and maintain a written program to protect workers from harmful airborne contaminants.
- Hearing Conservation (29 CFR 1926.52): Employers must implement a hearing conservation program when noise exposure goes over permissible limits.
- Medical Services and First Aid (29 CFR 1926.50): Construction employers must ensure prompt medical attention, provide trained first aid responders or access to medical facilities, keep first aid supplies and emergency communication available, and offer eyewash stations when workers handle harmful substances.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often do construction workers get drug tested?
Construction workers are typically drug tested at multiple stages of employment, but it depends on the specific company’s construction drug testing policy. Most construction companies require a pre-employment drug test before a new hire starts work. After hiring, many employers continue with random drug testing throughout the year to deter on-the-job use of drugs or alcohol. It’s also common to test construction employees after any workplace accident or upon reasonable suspicion of drug use.
Do construction jobs drug test?
Yes, construction drug screening is very common for construction jobs. Because construction work involves hazardous tasks and equipment, many employers make passing a drug test a condition of employment. A typical construction company will drug test all new hires to ensure they are not using illicit substances that could impair judgment or motor skills. In addition, employers may perform ongoing testing, such as random screenings or post-accident tests.
What kind of drug test do construction companies use?
Construction site drug testing commonly involves urine drug tests due to their cost-effectiveness and reliability in detecting substances like marijuana, cocaine, opioids, and amphetamines. Hair follicle tests, though less common due to higher costs, offer a longer detection period, identifying drug use up to 90 days prior.
Do construction jobs test for weed?
Yes, most construction jobs do test for weed, especially during pre-employment screening and post-accident investigations. Due to safety concerns and federal regulations on certain projects, testing for THC remains common—even in states where marijuana is legal.
Are background checks for construction workers required?
While there may not be a universal law mandating background checks for construction workers, in practice they are a standard part of the construction hiring process. Most construction companies will conduct background checks on new workers to verify their trustworthiness and qualifications. Employers run these checks to uncover criminal records, violent history, or fake credentials that could create risks on the job. Clients or regulations may explicitly require background checks for certain projects, especially government-funded or sensitive infrastructure jobs.
Even when not required by law, construction firms use background screening to ensure they're hiring reliable people. It helps them avoid potential problems like tool/equipment theft or chronic safety rule violators.
What does a background check for construction workers include?
A background check for a construction worker will typically review several key aspects of a candidate's history. First, it usually verifies the person's identity and Social Security number to confirm they are who they claim to be. Then, the employer will conduct a criminal history search, checking national, state, and county records for any felonies, misdemeanors, or arrests that are relevant. This often includes looking at sex offender registries as well.
Employers also commonly verify past employment and references to ensure the candidate's experience is legitimate and that past employers had no issues with them. In the construction industry, it's important to validate any professional licenses or certifications (for example, a general contractor license or OSHA safety certifications) that the worker needs for the job. Some construction background checks will also include a motor vehicle records check, especially if the role involves driving company vehicles or operating heavy machinery.
Why Health Street
When it comes to hiring in construction, Health Street simplifies the screening process without sacrificing thoroughness. Construction firms choose Health Street for our blend of speed, accuracy, and comprehensive services. Here's why Health Street stands out:
- One-Stop Screening: Health Street offers criminal background checks, license and certification verifications, employment history checks, drug testing, and occupational health testing all in one place. This means you can vet construction workers on every level, from confirming they have the required trade licenses to ensuring a clean criminal record, without juggling multiple providers.
- Industry Expertise: We understand the construction industry's unique safety and compliance requirements. Our background check packages range from quick database screens to in-depth research into a candidate's work history and credentials.
- Speed & Accuracy: Time is money in construction, so our process is built for efficiency. Health Street delivers fast results without compromising accuracy. You get the information you need quickly, preventing hiring delays while still catching any issues before it's too late.
- Nationwide Convenience: Health Street makes screening convenient for your team. Whether your construction crews are spread across multiple job sites or operating in remote areas, we ensure they have access to required drug tests and medical exams with minimal downtime. Our nationwide coverage means less time traveling to clinics and more time on the job.
- Trusted Results: SAMHSA-certified laboratories process all drug tests, and we run background checks using trusted national and county records. This ensures accurate, court-quality information so you can hire fearlessly knowing the results are trustworthy.
We help you make sound hiring choices quickly, without the worry of oversights. You get safer hires, a streamlined process, and full confidence that your workforce is qualified and drug-free.
Citations
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American Addiction Centers. (2024, August 23). Construction Workers & Addiction: Statistics, Recovery & Treatment. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/workforce-addiction/blue-collar/construction-workers
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). 29 CFR § 1910.134 - Respiratory protection. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.134
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). 29 CFR § 1926.50 - Medical services and first aid. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.50
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). 29 CFR § 1926.52 - Occupational noise exposure. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.52
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). Construction Industry. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.osha.gov/construction
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). OSHA quick card: Top four construction hazards (Publication No. OSHA 3252-05N 2005). U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/construction_hazards_qc.pdf
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Under the Hard Hat. (2024, September 16). Construction workers and addiction. https://underthehardhat.org/construction-workers-and-addiction/