Not wanting to argue with the safety premise, but the usual “pee” test gives results for past 30 days use. Other than being an indicator of past usage, specific to recreational drugs like pot, 30 days prior use does not affect performance and safety. This point is not about harder, more dibilitating and longer effecting drugs.
In Australia, the standard drug test is a mouth swab which shows drug use for previous few days not 30 days, which is more appropriate for workplace safety.
Like many other areas of how life has evolved in America, many things have evolved from over-reaction to a problem. We need to return to more common sense approaches in many areas not to mention political. The Austrialian “swab” drug test seems more common sensicle.
Our “pee” tests only showed very recent drug use, up to 13 days but usually not that far. Drugs don’t stay in the system that long.
I take the point is shows a lack of judgement from someone wanting to work in an industry known to test for it. If you don't have that level of self control, or if this was a short-term passing whim to apply for the job, then I don't want to and will not hire you.
From my standpoint, it is indicative of the massive problem they have finding enough qualified people. There are quite a lot of companies that advertise in the US to bring people to the Australian oil/gas industry. I don't think that is typical in reverse.
I think that the "Hair Test" goes back 6 months, and is comprehensive in terms of looking for various drugs.