The Benefits of Post-Accident Drug Testing for DOT Mandated Safety Sensitive Employees
Post-accident drug testing is a process used by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to ensure that employees who are involved in serious accidents are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Post-accident drug testing protects DOT mandated employees, their colleagues, and the general public from harm and makes sure that they are operating safely on the job, which in turn reduces accidents, injuries, and fatalities on the job.
The Benefits of Post-Accident Drug Testing for Employers
Post-accident drug testing is a critical safety measure for employers in the Department of Transportation (DOT) industry. It helps to ensure that all employees are free from the influence of drugs or alcohol while working in a potentially dangerous environment. This testing can help to reduce the number of accidents that occur due to impaired judgement and can also provide employers with peace of mind that their personnel are safe and secure while on the job. Additionally, post-accident drug testing can help employers identify potential drug use among their staff and take action as needed. In this way, it serves as an important tool for protecting both employers and employees alike.
Is Your Company Compliant with DOT Regulations?
The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires employers to have a drug and alcohol testing program in place to ensure to mitigate risks while performing safety sensitive duties such as driving a truck, flying a plane, operating equipment, etc.
To mitigate these risks, employers should create a Drug and Alcohol Policy (DAP) that outlines their expectations and procedures for dealing with drug and alcohol use in the workplace. A DAP is an important tool to ensure that safety sensitive employees are not impaired while on duty, and that they are aware of their employer’s expectations regarding drug and alcohol use. It is also a way for employers to protect themselves from legal liability in case an employee is found to be impaired while on duty.
The DAP will cover what types of tests are required, when they should be administered, and how to ensure compliance with the regulations.
Implementing Post-Accident Drug Testing and Other DOT-Mandated Tests
After certain accidents, safety-sensitive employees are required to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test. In addition to testing after accidents, employers can require employees to submit at random, due to reasonable suspicion, as part of the return to duty process, and during pre-employement.
If your employee has failed any drug and/or alcohol test, refer them to SAP Referral Services to get them back to work quickly. We can schedule your employee with a SAP in their area typically within 72-business hours. To learn more, get in touch today.