Get Back to Work After a Failed DOT Drug Test

After several catastrophic transportation accidents, the US government developed the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991. It aims to create a drug- and alcohol-free environment among DOT mandated safety-sensitive employees. With the Act in place, workers in the aviation, railroad, mass transit, trucking, and pipeline industries are regularly required to undergo testing for banned substances. Not surprisingly, mistakes occur. Fortunately, a failed DOT drug test, failed alcohol test and/or refusal to submit to testing is not necessarily the end of a DOT career. Read on to learn more about what happens next.

What Follows a Failed DOT Drug Test?

If a DOT mandated safety-sensitive employee fails or refuses a drug and/or alcohol test, their employer must immediately suspend the individual from all safety-sensitive duties. Next, if the employee wants to return to work, they’re required to complete a return-to-duty process coordinated by a SAP (Substance Abuse Professional).

Many employees wonder how the process works. First, they meet with a DOT-qualified SAP for an evaluation. The employee must answer questions about their history of substance use, types of substances used, and any lingering side effects. Then, once the SAP determines the severity of any substance problem, they recommend treatment and/or education. Complying with the SAP’s recommendations results the scheduling of a follow-up evaluation which will lead to approval to submit to a return-to-duty test. Please note, employees must expect follow-up testing once they get back on the job.

Connecting with a SAP Professional

It is important not to lose hope after a failed DOT drug test or alcohol test. Instead, put in the work to successfully complete your return-to-duty process, so you can get back on the job. The most important step is finding a DOT-qualified SAP in your area.

Turning to SAP Referral Services makes finding a SAP quick and easy. Our vast network includes qualified providers in over 3,000 locations across the country. So, no matter where you are, we can help. Join the over 25,000 employee who have successfully used our services. Click here to contact us today for more information.

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.