What is Pre-Employment Drug Testing?
Are you looking to start a career as a federally-regulated employee? There are endless benefits to having a DOT-mandated job, including ample leave, and solid retirement and health benefits. Once an applicant has completed pre-employment drug testing they can be on their way to a solid career as a DOT-mandated employee.
What is a Safety-Sensitive Employee?
A federally regulated employee, sometimes referred to as a safety-sensitive employee, is one who works within the transportation industry. The Department of Transportation regulates all employees within the industry, which includes those with jobs on the roadways, mass transit, waterways, trains, pipelines, and airways. Their jobs are designated as something that can impact the safety of the general public and due to this they must follow strict drug and alcohol testing regulations, which includes pre-employment drug testing as well as testing at random, for reasonable suspicion, after certain accidents, and as part of the return to duty process.
What is Pre-Employment Drug Testing?
Safety-sensitive employees are required to follow a pre-determined course of drug testing both at appointed times and within random intervals. One assigned time is prior to a job offer. If an employee is offered a job within the transportation industry then they must complete pre-employment drug testing before they can officially enter the workforce.
What Happens If An Employee Fails Pre-Employment Drug Testing?
If an employee fails they must follow the same process as a regular employee who fails a drug test. Commonly referred to as the return to duty process, the employee who fails pre-employment drug testing must see a Substance Abuse Professional and then follow the recommended protocol. It is important to know that once an employee fails a DOT-mandated drug test they will be unable to apply to any other company within the transportation sector until they have successfully completed the return to duty process.
What is the SAP Process?
The SAP process involves finding a Substance Abuse Professional, receiving an initial evaluation, complying with the SAPs outlined protocol for treatment and/or education, receiving a follow-up evaluation, and submitting a negative drug and/or alcohol test. Once the applicant submits a negative result they will be cleared to perform safety-sensitive functions.
Find a SAP Quickly!
The best way to find a qualified SAP is through SAP Referral Services (SRS). SRS can help you find a Substance Abuse Professional quickly following a failed drug and/or alcohol test so you can get into the workplace. Contact us today to learn more.