What Are Examples of DOT Workplace Violations?

Anyone that works in a DOT mandated safety-sensitive position must follow DOT rules at all times. One of these guidelines forbids employees from being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol while performing their safety-sensitive duties in the workplace. If DOT workplace violations occur, employees are promptly removed from their duties. Next, they must follow a federally mandated set of steps before they are eligible to return to work. Therefore, it is important for all DOT mandated safety-sensitive employees to know their responsibilities.

DOT Workplace Violations and the Consequences

Most DOT workplace violations occur when an employee fails or refuses to take a drug or alcohol test. Tests are mandatory for pre-employment, when there is just cause, following some accidents and are also conducted on a random basis. Regardless of the reason, the employee must submit to the drug and/or alcohol test. If the test is positive this is considered a violation. Additionally, if an employee refuses to take a drug and/or alcohol test, this is equivalent to a failure and the employee is removed from their duties.

In order to be considered for return to your job, all employees who have failed or refused a drug test must undergo an evaluation by a SAP (Substance Abuse Professional). Following the evaluation, the SAP will recommend a program that may include treatment, education, and/or counseling. Once you satisfy their requirements, the SAP will conduct a post-treatment evaluation. Only then can authorization be given for you to submit to a return-to-duty test.

Benefits of Utilizing SAP Referral Services

In order for your return-to-duty process to be recognized, the SAP must be DOT-qualified. Licenses can lapse and requirements may change, so a SAP that was once DOT qualified may not be anymore. If an employee completes a program with a SAP that is not DOT qualified at the time of either evaluation, then all the actions are null, and they must start over again.

Instead, avoid the risk and work with SAP Referral Services. We have access to providers in over 3,000 locations across the nation and can connect employees to DOT-qualified SAPs quickly. The sooner you start the process, the quicker you can return to work. Discover our FastTrack Enrollment and join the over 25,000+ employees we have helped with the return-to-duty process.

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.