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From Rock Bottom to Rock Solid: Building a Sober, Stronger Workforce with Dave Argus

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What if your drug-testing program actually kept more people safe and employed? In this conversation, Dave Argus (Director of Operations, Karas & Karas Glass) shows how his team turned testing into early detection + a bridge to care, and why structured multiple-chance agreements outperform zero-tolerance for real-world safety and retention. In Dave’s words, “We don’t give up on them after they make a mistake — we get them more support.”

You’ll hear how workers in recovery proactively request testing to catch slips before they “go over the waterfall,” and how clear guardrails, peer allies, and treatment partners make recovery part of safety, not separate from it.

Two tactical takeaways:

  1. Use drug testing to help, not fire.

  2. Multiple-chance agreements are the norm; zero-tolerance is often about ego, not safety.

About Dave

Dave Argus is the Director of Operations at Karas & Karas Glass in South Boston and an ENR Top 25 Newsmaker (2021) recognized for building a recovery-supportive workforce in the construction trades. Beginning in 2017, Dave helped design and lead a program that pairs regular drug testing as early detection with clear return-to-work agreements, peer support, and treatment partnerships—prioritizing dignity, accountability, and crew safety. The approach has offered dozens of people a credible path back to work while strengthening loyalty and performance across jobsites.

A frequent speaker at industry forums—including GlassBuild America’s Main Stage—Dave advances “recovery-safe workplaces” as a practical safety strategy: test to help, not to fire; respond to slips with more support, not less; and measure outcomes in incidents, retention, and team trust. He also collaborates widely across unions and contractors, advocating for on-site Narcan readiness and shared protocols that make help-seeking routine.

Beyond operations leadership, Dave is featured in case studies of employer-led recovery efforts and continues to mentor leaders who want to implement the model in their own organizations. Connect with Dave on LinkedIn to learn more about his work and speaking.

Questions we address:

How can drug testing be redesigned as early detection instead of automatic termination?

Dave Argus walks through testing protocols that trigger support pathways (peer ally + treatment + return-to-work steps) rather than pink slips, raising safety and reducing churn.

What does a “multiple-chance” agreement look like in construction—and how do you keep standards high?

In this episode, we unpack written agreements with clear milestones, check-ins, and consequences that respect the craft, protect the team, and keep dignity intact. (Episode interview; model aligns with recovery-safe workplace practice.)

Can recovery-supportive policies actually improve safety metrics?

Dave describes measurable gains, including a lower experience modification rating after the program launched—linking care + accountability to safer jobsites.

How do unions, contractors, and providers share the load?

From probationary union memberships with regular testing and meetings to fast-track treatment referrals, we outline who does what and how communication flows.

What scripts help supervisors respond after a positive test or a suspected relapse?

We model language that reduces shame and moves the conversation to the next safe steps (“I’m glad you told me. Here’s our plan…”), plus how to log it and loop in partners.

How do you build a culture where workers in recovery request testing?

Dave explains how trust + predictability flips the script—workers use voluntary or scheduled testing as a proactive tool to catch slips before harm.

Action Steps for Listeners:

  • Put in writing that your goal is support + safety, not attrition.

  • Stand up a return-to-work lane (peer ally, treatment partners, scheduled check-ins).

  • Train foremen on low-shame, high-clarity conversations after a test result.

  • Share one success story at your next safety huddle to normalize help-seeking.


Show Notes

Resources & Links