Workers' Privacy - Pt. 3 : Testing in the Workplace

The third of three issues on workers' privacy in industrialized countries, this volume is devoted to testing of workers and job applicants to detect alcohol and drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, genetic abnormalities, psychological characteristics and honesty.

Although employment testing is now part of the selection and placement process in the work setting, questions have arisen as to how far an employer should be permitted to probe into one's lifestyle, state of health and psychological make-up.

Are such tests relevant to employers' legitimate needs, and under what circumstances can an employer state a compelling justification that would override privacy interests?

Are they reliable and do job applicants have any control over the disclosure of test results?

This digest contains a comparative analysis of the situation in 18 industrialized countries, a presentation of legal provisions, policies of workers' and employers' organizations and governments, and international instruments applicable to individual categories of testing. It is a comprehensive compilation of law and practice relating to new testing techniques in the workplace which evaluates how the interest of employers are reconciled with the individual's right to privacy at work.