DOT DRUG & ALCOHOL TESTING

WHY DOT DRUG TESTING IS SO IMPORTANT?

Safety sensitive employees, who provide transportation services in the air, on the road, in the water, and across the rails are required to have drug testing according to the U.S Department of Transportation. It is mandatory for the safety of workers and the general public. An employer can identify with drug testing whether employees or job applicants are using drugs. To comply with the act, the DOT’s Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC) established rules on how tests should be conducted as well as testing and reporting procedures.

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 Why Drug Testing required? 

DOT drug testing program is designed to detect the presence of alcohol, illicit drugs, or certain prescription drugs. Intake of drugs and alcohol can create harmful effects on the body and can create serious conditions too. Drug testing is a prevention method that should be followed as per the issued guidelines, to ensure a drug-free workplace for the employees.

A company could face these consequences if the drug testing program will not be followed seriously. 

• It will decrease the productivity of the company.
• It will increase the costs like health care claims.
• They can cause serious injury to the general public.
• Wear and tear to the vehicle.
• Reputation of the company will be in danger. 
• Unnecessary fighting with other employees.

 Who is considered safety-sensitive employees?

Safety sensitive employees are those who are responsible for their own and other’s people safety. E.g. while driving a truck, a driver has to ensure his safety and has to take care of people walking on the side of the road. That is why it becomes very important to teach them about the effects of drugs. 

• Driving a truck
• Working on a pipeline
• Repairing an airplane
• Operating a ferry, bus, or train

 How to identify if an employee is taking drugs? 

Well, you can’t prove it without testing but the signs are there which can give you hint whether someone taking drugs or not. These are very common points but you need to be smart and a good observer.

These are some signs which you can look for: 

• Increased lateness or absences
• Inconsistent work performance
• Causing accidents
• Unsteady posture, hyper activeness, sudden noticeable weight loss, dental issues, hiding the arms
• Disconcert for personal appearance or grooming
• Overreaction to suggestions, feedback, or criticisms
• Withdrawal from everyday conversations
• Indication of lack of sleep
• Bloodshot eyes
• Sudden mood swings

 When are drug tests conducted?

•  Pre-employment:

As a new hire, DOT wants you to test negative for drugs before operating any vehicle.

• Reasonable suspicion:

One has to go for drug, alcohol, or both tests in a case when the employer found any reasonable suspicion which is based on speech, behaviour, odour, appearance.

•  Post-Accident:

According to DOT criteria, any employee who was performing any safety-sensitive duty involved in a crash or accident has to go for drug and alcohol testing. 

•  Follow-up:

How many follow-up testing you will need and for how long will be determined by SAP (Substance Abuse Professional). The employer has to conduct the follow-up as planned.

•  Return to duty:

An employee who violated the rules and regulations could be suspended for some time and while returning to duty they have to test for drugs and alcohol to ensure he/she is free from drugs and alcohol. 

•  Randomly:

Employers are responsible to conduct random drug and alcohol testing to identify abusers. 

 What substances test during DOT testing?

Urine samples are used as per DOT criteria to conduct drug testing. Following is the list of drugs that can be tested.    

• Marijuana/THC
• Cocaine
• Amphetamines (including methamphetamine)
• Opiates (including heroin, codeine, and morphine)
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

 What are the different testing methods?

• Urine testing - Urine samples are generally used to identify the presence of any drug substance in the body. It could be marijuana or cocaine etc.
• Breath/Saliva testing - To identify whether employee taking alcohol, this test is performed 

 Overview

The overall purpose of DOT drug testing is to ensure that safety-sensitive employees must stay away from drugs and alcohol. The employee must understand the importance of avoiding these harmful toxins for their safety and ensure the safety of individuals across the country. The employer must ensure that his employee is well aware of consequences of drug abuse. 

Let JST Truck Permits help you maintaining a drug free environment for your company.