Manufacturing Industry

Substance Use Risks in Factory Settings

Substance abuse poses a substantial risk in manufacturing settings. In 2024, nearly 1 in 6 U.S. workers admitted to being under the influence of alcohol while on the job, and almost 3% confessed to using illegal drugs during work hours, according to national survey findings.

About 1 in 10 manufacturing workers say they regularly drink heavily, while 1 in 13 used illicit drugs within the past month. Over the course of a year, roughly 1 in 11 employees reported struggling with drug or alcohol dependence. These numbers demonstrate why manufacturing companies can benefit from pre-employment drug tests for job applicants.

Reducing Risk Through Criminal and Credential Verification

Criminals cost white-collar business employers millions of dollars each year. Manufacturing employers, in particular, face fraud related to billing, corruption, and noncash goods, including company equipment. The manufacturing industry ranks number 8 in fraud occurrences, including corruption, billing scams, noncash theft, financial statement fraud, payroll, and expense reimbursements.

Manufacturing operations rely on trust—trust that employees will follow safety protocols, handle equipment properly, and protect company assets. But with nearly 1 in 3 Americans having a criminal record, manufacturing employee screening is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce liability and prevent issues like theft, workplace violence, or fraud.

In an industry where even minor mistakes can lead to major disruptions or injuries, verifying a candidate's criminal history, employment background, and relevant licenses or certifications is critical. Screening for red flags before extending an offer helps ensure you're hiring dependable workers who are fit for high-stakes environments.

Why Routine Health Checks Matter for Manufacturing

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  About 13,455,000 manufacturing employees face the risk of fatal or non-fatal injuries at work, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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  From 2003-2017, the number of fatal workplace fatalities in manufacturing declined by 28 percent, from 420 in 2003 to 303 in 2017. This number increased again by 2020.
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  In 2020, there were 340 manufacturing workplace fatalities and 312,400 non-fatal workplace injuries in the United States.
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  In 2023, the manufacturing sector reported 326,400 injury cases.
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  In the same year, the manufacturing industry reported an incidence rate of 2.7 respiratory illness cases per 10,000 full-time workers, with a total of 3,400 reported cases nationwide.

Routine occupational health screenings—such as respiratory evaluations, hearing tests, and fitness-for-duty exams—not only reduce the risk of injury but also help catch early signs of long-term exposure-related illness. For employers, these checks can improve compliance with OSHA standards and reduce lost work time, while employees benefit from a safer, healthier workplace built to support long-term wellbeing.