FMCSA: When are Drug and Alcohol Tests Required After an Accident?
Have you recently failed post-accident drug testing? A safety-sensitive employee has a responsibility to remain drug and alcohol free while on duty, as their work directly affects the safety of themselves, their colleagues, and the general public. In addition to being drug free, they have to refrain from using alcohol while on the job and four hours before going to work. The individual may not perform any duties if they are under the influence of drugs or have a breath alcohol concentration of .04 percent or higher while on duty.
During their employment they are required to submit to several drug and/or alcohol tests – including post accident drug testing as well as an alcohol screening after certain accidents, and testing for pre-employment, due to reasonable suspicion, at random, return-to-duty, and as follow-up to the return to duty process.
What Is Post-Accident Drug Testing?
If an employee is involved in an accident while on duty, they will have to submit to post-accident drug testing. These tests are administered when there is:
- Human Fatality
- Bodily Injury With Immediate Medical Treatment Away From the Scene
- Disabling Damage to Any Motor Vehicle Requiring Tow Away
What Happens After Failed Drug and/or Alcohol Test
Safety-sensitive employees will be removed from their safety-sensitive work following a failed drug and/or alcohol test. They can not resume their safety-sensitive duties until they have successfully completed the return to duty process. To start the process, an employee has to find a SAP in their area. After that, they will be evaluated and the SAP will recommend a treatment and/or education program. When the employee has complied with the process they will be seen for a follow-up evaluation. If the SAP determines compliance, the employee will be referred for a return to duty drug and/or alcohol test.
Finding a SAP doesn’t have to be difficult when you work with SAP Referral Services (SRS). SRS has a network of DOT qualified SAPs nationwide. Contact us today at 410-668-8110 to find a qualified SAP quickly.