Post-Accident Marijuana Positivity Remains High

Marijuana positivity following workplace accidents remains high, at 7.3% in 2024, according to the 2025 Quest Diagnostics Drug Testing Index.
The testing lab operator said that last year’s level was just short of the 2023 record high of 7.5% in 2023.
Post-accident testing positivity fell slightly from 10.4% to 10.2%, while return-to-duty testing, administered to employees coming back after a violation of a company drug policy, declined from 8.4% to 7.9%.
“While it’s encouraging to see slight declines in for-cause, post-incident and return-to-duty drug test positivity rates, the rates continue to be elevated. For instance, the Quest data showing that about one in three employees tested for cause were positive for drug use demonstrates opportunities for employers to bolster psychologically safe practices and recovery-supportive programs, enhancing both employee reporting and safety initiatives,” said Claire Bryant, Senior Program Manager of Workplace Wellbeing at the National Safety Council.
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Ohio’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has recovered $7,630 in restitution from the owner of a truck recovery and repair business following a fraud investigation by the agency’s Special Investigations Department.
The investigation focused on business owner Rachhpal Singh, whose workers’ compensation policy had been in a lapsed status since 2012. During the investigation, Singh submitted outstanding payroll true-ups and policy year 2022 premiums to become eligible for a reinstatement payment plan.
BWC offered Singh a financial hardship reinstatement payment plan, requiring a down payment of $20,000 and $1,000 monthly payments. However, they failed to submit the down payment or sign the contract, leaving the policy noncompliant with state requirements.
Investigators also discovered Singh had opened a separate policy under another individual’s name in an effort to sidestep his existing obligations.
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The growing use of GLP-1 drugs could result in fewer and/or less severe worker injuries, according to Moody’s.
Jasper Cooper, Vice President, Senior Credit Officer, Moody’s Ratings, said the firm expects that workers’ compensation reserves will continue to develop favorably, although reserve releases will likely decline, driven by higher medical costs and a competitive pricing environment.
His comments were part of analysis of overall P&C reserves status.
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