AccuDiagnostics

Posts Tagged ‘DOT’

Random Drug Tests

Random drug testing is one way to test employees and help keep the workplace drug free. Since employees will have no idea when or if they will be drug tested throughout the year, this will deter employees from using drugs. By randomly testing workers, they will not feel like they were singled out and it’s a fair way to do drug testing.

For businesses with only a couple workers, they can join a consortium, which is a partnership of companies to put their employees in a pool for drug testing. This will allow the businesses to participate in a random drug testing program and their employees will not know when they will be required to do a drug test. AccuDiagnostics provides consortium services. They will maintain the testing schedule, will conduct the random testing scheduling and perform the drug tests.

The frequency of random drug testing is set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) Agency. Requirements for testing could be 50% for drug testing and 10% for alcohol testing, which means a business with 100 employees 50 workers would need to be drug tested and 10 would have to be alcohol tested. Setting up a random testing pool, the employees tested will depend on their job function and not their job title. DOT requires all safety-sensitive workers to be tested. Those workers, who are non-DOT employees, need to test in a separate pool from DOT workers.

Some tips on conducting a successful random drug testing program. Schedule testing dates in a non-predictable pattern, this can be accomplished by spreading the testing dates throughout the year. The time of day and day of the week when random tests are scheduled should be different for each testing date. Random drug tests should be conducted anytime employees are working or performing a safety sensitive job. In order to keep the drug testing random, only a select number of people should have knowledge of those workers that have been selected. Privacy of those being tested should be provided by the employer. Remember, employers should document everything (numbers, names drawn, dates and times of notification, dates and times of collections, etc.) about the random testing process.

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Information is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. AccuDiagnostics does not engage in the practice of medicine. The information provided should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Readers are urged to consult a licensed physician before starting or stopping any medical treatment. Any action by the reader in response to this information is at their discretion, and AccuDiagnostics can in no way be held liable for such action.

Consortium Services

The Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that all drivers with a Commercial Drivers License and safety-sensitive employees, who drive commercial motor vehicles, must take  drug and alcohol tests. Some drivers and employees that the DOT regulations apply to are: drivers that own or lease a commercial motor vehicle, Federal, State and local governments, For-Hire Motor Carriers, Private Motor Carriers, Civic Organizations and Churches.

Drug and alcohol tests are required when there is reasonable suspicion, which is when a trained supervisor or company official observes behavior or appearance that an employee is under the influence. If an employee is in an accident that results in a citation due to their performance behind the wheel and all fatal accidents, this will require a post-accident drug and alcohol test. When an employee, who has used drugs and/or alcohol during working hours, has come back to work a follow-up test will be conducted. Random testing is done throughout the year and is unannounced.

For businesses and trucking companies that have a couple drivers, random drug and alcohol testing would be difficult to accomplish. The option to join a consortium will solve the issue of random testing where the names of the drivers are added into a pool of names from other companies with commercial drivers. AccuDiagnostics offers consortium services and uses an advanced computer software system that will completely randomize when the drivers need to be tested.

By joining the AccuDiagnostics Consortium Services, your company drivers can meet the Federal DOT drug and alcohol regulations. At AccuDiagnostics, they offer full-service Consortium Services. They will schedule and maintain testing schedules, plus, they will do the drug and alcohol testing. Mobile and On-site testing is, also, available through AccuDiagnostics so there will be no downtime for your drivers when they have to be tested. AccuDiagnostics consortium services are also available to non DOT-regulated drivers.

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Information is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. AccuDiagnostics does not engage in the practice of medicine. The information provided should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Readers are urged to consult a licensed physician before starting or stopping any medical treatment. Any action by the reader in response to this information is at their discretion, and AccuDiagnostics can in no way be held liable for such action.