From Liability Gap to 1500% ROI: Revolutionizing Workplace Safety with Gaize
In an era where recreational cannabis is legal in over half of U.S. states and novel substances like fentanyl and kratom are on the rise, traditional drug testing methods are leaving employers exposed. These tests detect past substance use but fail to identify *current* impairment—creating a dangerous liability gap in high-risk industries. But what if there was a way to close that gap, deter unsafe behavior, and deliver massive ROI?
Enter Accurate Marine Environmental (AME), a mid-sized maritime services provider specializing in hazmat cleaning, spill response, and high-stakes industrial work. Facing Virginia's 2021 cannabis legalization, AME turned to Gaize's AI-powered impairment detection technology. The results? An 80% drop in reasonable-suspicion incidents, zero intoxication-related accidents, over $100k in savings, and a staggering 1500%+ ROI—all within one year.
In this case study deep dive, we'll explore AME's challenges, their seamless integration of Gaize, and the transformative outcomes. If you're a safety officer or HR leader grappling with impairment risks, this story shows how proactive, real-time testing can safeguard your team, boost efficiency, and strengthen your bottom line.
The Growing Challenge: Impairment in a Post-Legalization World
Workplace safety has always been paramount for companies like AME, where employees handle confined spaces, hazardous materials, and heavy machinery. But the landscape shifted dramatically with cannabis legalization. As Jason Burns, AME's Health and Safety Director, put it: "Suddenly, people could legally use cannabis on their own time, but we had no good way to tell if someone was impaired at work."
Traditional biochemical tests (urine, saliva, blood, or hair) only reveal if a substance was used—sometimes weeks or months ago. They don't measure real-time cognitive or motor impairment, leaving supervisors to rely on subjective observations. This "liability gap" exposed AME to risks like accidents, legal issues, and operational delays. Add in emerging threats—synthetic opioids, designer stimulants, and substances like kratom that evade standard panels—and the problem intensifies.
Key industry stats paint a stark picture:
Rising Use: 23% of Americans use cannabis annually (CDC), with daily use surpassing alcohol (Addiction Journal). Certain demographics consume at much higher rates.
Accident Costs: The average workers' comp claim exceeds $41,000 (National Safety Council), and impairment costs employers $2,945 per employee yearly (Kaiser Permanente).
Overdose Surge: Workplace fatalities from overdoses rose 600% from 2011 to 2022, accounting for 10% of occupational deaths (NSC).
For AME, these trends meant frequent reasonable-suspicion incidents (4-5 per month), costly off-site testing, and the constant fear of a preventable tragedy. "We needed something that told us the truth about right now—not last weekend," Burns explained.
Why Gaize? A Shift to Real-Time, Objective Impairment Detection
AME evaluated options rigorously, consulting internal counsel, their insurer (Signal Mutual), and parent-company stakeholders. Gaize stood out for its non-invasive, AI-driven approach, rooted in Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) protocols used by law enforcement for over 45 years.
Unlike legacy tests, Gaize uses a lightweight VR headset to conduct a 6-minute eye-tracking assessment. It measures involuntary biomarkers like pupil response, gaze direction, and saccadic velocity—indicators of impairment from a wide range of substances, including cannabis, alcohol, opioids, stimulants, and synthetics. Results are instant, video-recorded for defensibility, and accessible via a secure dashboard.
Key advantages that sealed the deal for AME:
Speed and Convenience: No clinic visits or samples—just on-site testing with immediate "fit-for-duty" insights.
Broad Detection: Covers novel substances traditional panels miss, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Compliance and Fairness: HIPAA-compliant, ADA-friendly, and focused on impairment (not lifestyle), aligning with HR's equity goals.
"When I saw real-time, objective results on a non-invasive platform, the decision was simple," said Burns.
Seamless Implementation: Building Trust and Deterrence
Rolling out Gaize was straightforward and employee-focused. Burns, an OSHA-certified trainer, completed admin training in about an hour and centralized testing for consistency. Minor Wi-Fi hiccups were resolved quickly by Gaize's support team.
Change management was key to success. AME hosted open discussions to demystify the process: "No needles, no labs—just follow a moving ball with your eyes." Posters at time clocks reinforced the message, turning Gaize into a visible deterrent. "Word spread like a church group," Burns recalled. "By the first test, everyone knew it was about safety, not punishment."
The result? High buy-in and no operational disruptions. Employees appreciated the objectivity: "Sometimes I'll show them the video of their eyes, and we'll laugh—it puts them at ease," Burns shared.
Measurable Outcomes: 1500% ROI and a Safer Workplace
The impact was immediate and profound. Gaize didn't just detect impairment—it prevented it through deterrence.
Safety Gains: Reasonable-suspicion incidents plummeted 80% (from 4-5/month to ~1). Zero intoxication-related accidents occurred (vs. two the prior year), earning AME the Signal Mutual Safety Leadership Award for innovative practices.
Cultural Shift: Gaize fostered trust and fairness, reducing supervisor-employee tension. "It's not about catching people—it's about getting everyone home safe," Burns emphasized. This aligns with NSC data: Strong safety cultures see 50% fewer incidents and 64% lower turnover.
Financial ROI: AME saved over $100k through avoided tests, lab fees, and productivity losses. A detailed breakdown shows $118,494 in annual savings—a 1579% ROI.
These savings stem from reclaiming billable hours, slashing overtime, and preventing costly claims—proving Gaize's value for HR budgets and safety audits.
Lessons Learned: Proactive Safety in Action
AME's story highlights why impairment detection is essential for modern workplaces:
Deterrence Works: Awareness of Gaize changed behaviors, reducing risks before they escalated.
Fairness Drives Employee Retention: By focusing on "impairment in the moment," Gaize supports responsible employees, aiding hiring in tight labor markets.
Beyond Compliance: It's a tool for building proactive cultures, navigating legalization, and addressing novel substances.
As Burns concluded: "If we needed another unit, there’d be no hesitation—knowledge that Gaize exists completely changes workplace behavior."
Ready to Transform Your Safety Program?
If Accurate Marine Environmental’s >1500% ROI and massive reasonable suspicion reduction resonate with your challenges, it's time to explore Gaize. Our patented technology empowers safety and HR teams to detect impairment objectively, deter risks, and drive efficiency—without the pitfalls of traditional testing.
Schedule a free demo today to learn how Gaize can deliver similar results for your organization. Let's make your workplace safer and more productive—starting now.
