Marijuana Legalization and Safety-Sensitive Employees
Although many states may be legalizing marijuana use, the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act still prohibits safety-sensitive employees from using drugs. Safety-sensitive employees in the transportation industry are mandated to comply with federal requirements regarding drug testing. The use of marijuana is not allowable by safety-sensitive DOT employees due to these federal regulations. How do […]
Successfully Remain Drug and Alcohol Free
If you are back to safety-sensitive duties because you completing the return to duty process, congratulations! After successfully complying with the protocol outlined by your SAP, submitting a negative drug and/or alcohol test result, and returning to safety-sensitive duties, it is now time to remain drug and alcohol free. You don’t have to go through […]
How Does Reasonable Suspicion Testing Affect my Employees?
Reasonable suspicion testing is a type of drug testing that is typically used in workplaces where safety is a major concern. This type of drug and/or alcohol test applies to safety-sensitive employees federally regulated by the Department of Transportation. Reasonable suspicion testing can have a major impact on safety-sensitive employees. If the employee fails a […]
Considering Drug Use as a Safety-Sensitive Employee? Think Again!
Life can be stressful which may lead people to turn to drugs or alcohol in order to escape from reality. In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in 2019 20.4 million people in the U.S. had a substance abuse disorder diagnosis. This figure doesn’t take into account the number of people whose […]
What Substances are Tested for During a DOT Drug Test?
Have you recently failed a DOT drug and/or alcohol test? “The Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act required DOT Agencies to implement drug testing of safety-sensitive transportation employees in the aviation, trucking (including school bus drivers, and certain limousine and van drivers), railroads, mass transit, aviation and pipelines industries. In 1994, DOT added alcohol testing requirements […]
What is the FMCSA Return to Duty Process?
In the early nineties, the Federal Government recognized the need for the transportation industry to be drug and alcohol-free since it utilizes public routes. As a result, they passed the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act which requires all FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) mandated employees to undergo drug and alcohol testing at designated times. […]
FRA Drug and Alcohol Testing FAQ
After failing a DOT-mandated drug and alcohol test, FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) regulated employees often have questions about their future careers. One failed or refused drug test can ruin an FRA mandated employee’s entire career, but it doesn’t have to. The return-to-duty process for safety-sensitive employees allows them to take action, remedy their drug and/or […]
Employer Tips for a Drug-Free Workplace
While employers and employees within safety-sensitive positions must follow the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act, they may not have a clear plan on how to facilitate a drug and alcohol-free workplace within their work culture. The importance of maintaining an open and upfront environment about the company’s drug and alcohol policy is paramount. The Importance […]
Drug Testing for PHMSA Mandated Employees
PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) oversees the safe transport of energy and potentially hazardous materials vital to daily life. PHMSA mandated employees include those working on pipelines and contractors hired to work on pipelines. The people who work for operators working on pipeline projects are also covered by PHMSA, which means they also […]
USCG Drug Testing FAQ
What is the role of the USCG and why is it imperative that its members remain drug and alcohol free? A law enforcement service branch of the United States Armed Forces, the U.S. Coast Guard specializes in maritime search and rescue while also providing security service in domestic and international waters. It’s imperative that its […]