Navigating employee drug and alcohol testing within the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulatory framework can be daunting. If you employ workers in safety-sensitive positions who are required to partake in DOT’s mandatory testing program, this article is for you.
Understanding the ins and outs of DOT drug testing and incorporating all requirements into your drug testing program is crucial for maintaining compliance.
We’ve created a comprehensive guide to DOT drug testing to ensure workplace safety and protect your organization against potential legal issues. Keep reading to learn what you need to know as an employer and how choosing a reliable testing partner can help streamline the process.
DOT Drug Testing Regulations
Employers who DOT regulates must follow specific drug testing requirements created to ensure safety in the transportation industry. This includes the aviation, commercial motor vehicle carrier, pipeline, railroad, and transit industries.
These regulations are crucial in maintaining public and workplace safety. Employers must adhere to specific drug testing procedures, including what substances need to be tested for, testing procedures, and testing violations.
In addition, employers must also have elements incorporated into their workplace policy that address employee training and education, record-keeping, and privacy.
Mandatory Testing Types
Under the DOT’s drug testing program, employers must conduct a variety of testing formats:
- Pre-employment drug testing: Potential candidates are required to be screened before performing any safety-sensitive duties.
- Random drug testing: Random selection helps discourage employees from misusing drugs and alcohol. All employees have an equal chance of being selected and tested.
- Post-accident testing: Specific drug and alcohol tests are required following qualifying accidents.
- Reasonable suspicion testing: Implemented when observable behaviour suggests drug or alcohol use. The suspicion must be based on specific observations by the supervisor or company official.
- Return-to-duty and follow-up testing: If an employee has violated drug policies or refused to test, return-to-duty requirements must be satisfied before returning.
Substances Tested For
DOT drug tests require testing for alcohol and five classes of drugs:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Opiates
- Amphetamines
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
The DOT’s drug testing program has strict guidelines for the collection and testing of urine samples, and all testing must adhere to a strict chain of custody procedures to ensure that samples are not tampered with or contaminated.
Additional Employer Responsibilities
When implementing and managing a DOT-compliant testing program, there are a few key responsibilities employers have:
Clear policy: When it comes to your workplace drug and alcohol testing program, a clear policy outlining the testing process and consequences of violating the requirements is crucial. Policies must fully explain the drug and alcohol program and be readily available for employees.
Training: Employees who perform DOT safety-sensitive functions must have training documents that explain the DOT requirements. Supervisors and other officials also have training requirements to help them recognize signs of substance abuse when it comes to reasonable suspicion and reasonable cause testing.
Record-keeping: It’s one thing to operate according to regulations, but record-keeping is essential for instances where you need to prove compliance. As an employer, it’s your responsibility to maintain thorough records of all testing and results.
What to Look for When Choosing a Reliable DOT Drug Testing Partner
Managing the intricacies of a DOT testing program can be a challenging task. Partnering with a reputable third-party organization can ease a lot of your stress.
Not only does a DOT drug testing partner help employers coordinate a variety of drug and
alcohol testing services, they also help prepare reports, source certified service agents, and stay up-to-date with regulations. With serious risks at stake, it goes without saying that selecting a reliable partner is integral to the success of your program.
Here are a few suggestions on what to look for:
- Expertise in DOT compliance: Extensive experience in managing drug testing programs means they are well-versed in industry best practices.
- Comprehensive testing services: A wide variety of services means all aspects of testing are covered. Flexibility in the services they offer is an asset to cater to the needs of clients.
- Accurate and fast results: Are the collection sites and laboratories they use able to ensure the integrity of collection and testing? Look for partners that have a large network of collection sites for you to choose from.
- Advanced reporting: Data should be stored securely, and all testing records should be organized and readily available.
Keep this in mind: if your DOT drug testing partner is not compliant, neither are you! You are entrusting your program and its compliance to them, so it’s important to select a partner you can trust and rely on.
CannAmm is your trusted partner to ensure compliance with our comprehensive DOT drug and alcohol testing programs. Our services are reliable, responsive, and flexible and can be tailored to the needs of your employees and organization. On top of our thorough testing solutions, we also have the industry expertise and program management experience to maintain alignment with all industry requirements.
If you’re not sure if you’re meeting the Department of Transportation drug testing requirements or have a compliance question, we can help. Reach out to learn more about our DOT drug and alcohol testing program.
