Navigating employee drug and alcohol testing within the regulatory framework of the Department of Transportation (DOT) can be a daunting task. 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.
To ensure workplace safety and protect your organization against potential legal issues, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to DOT drug testing. Keep reading to learn what you need to know as an employer and how choosing a reliable testing partner can help streamline the process.
Employers who are regulated by DOT 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.
Under the DOT’s drug testing program, employers must conduct a variety of testing formats:
DOT drug tests require testing for alcohol and five classes of drugs:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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