How Does Post-Accident Drug Testing Affect FMCSA and FTA Employees?
Workplace accident protocols for those working within the FMCSA and FTA modes have strict regulations. If you are a DOT-mandated employee within one of those modes it is important you understand the requirements surrounding post-accident drug and/or alcohol testing.
When Post-Accident Drug Testing Is Required
Not every accident occurring at work requires post-accident drug and/or alcohol testing. However, if a safety-sensitive, DOT-mandated employee is cited for responsibility in any accident involving the following circumstances, drug testing will be necessary before returning to work:
- Injuries that require medical attention beyond the crash site
- Severe damage to any vehicle requiring tow service
Regardless of whether the driver is found at fault, all accidents resulting in human death require post-accident drug testing.
How Long Does a DOT-Mandated Employee Have to Complete the Necessary Drug and Alcohol Testing?
If an accident happens that involves a DOT-mandated employee, working within the FMCSA or FTA, it is crucial that adherence to all DOT regulations is met, including the time limit. After an accident, an alcohol test should occur during the first two hours but must be administered within eight hours of the accident to be valid. Drug testing must occur within 32 hours of the collision.
What If I Fail the Drug or Alcohol Testing?
Failing drug or alcohol testing does not mean your career is over. However, to return to your safety-sensitive position, you will have to follow a specific process. Employers will either provide employees with a list of Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs) or a referral to a service agent. With a service agent, the process of finding a SAP is easier and moves much more quickly. Service agents are in charge of finding employees a SAP in their area and scheduling the evaluations, streamlining the process for them.
Get Back to Work Quicker with the FastTrack Enrollment Program from SAP Referral Services
At SAP Referral Services, we are dedicated to finding employees a SAP in their geographic region. With our FastTrack Enrollment Program, we can typically schedule employees within 72 business hours of enrollment. FastTrack Enrollment includes the following:
- Scheduling of initial SAP evaluation
- Two face-to-face SAP substance abuse evaluations
- Recommendations for education and/or treatment (as per the requirement of the DOT)
- Two SAP reports (initial and follow-up)
- Recommendations for submitting return-to-duty test
Contact SAP Referral Services today to get started in the FastTrack Enrollment Program.
SAP Referral Services (SRS) is the leading facilitator for mandated substance abuse evaluations. SRS maintains an extensive network of qualified providers in more than 3,000 locations nationwide for testing violations that originate from any of the DOT’s modes including FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, USCG and PHMSA, or a company’s internal drug and alcohol testing policy.