Motor carrier pre-employment physicals and drug screenings are an integral component of public safety, as these measures ensure the safety and awareness of commercial drivers on the road. When you are hiring employees who must carry commercial drivers’ licenses (CDLs), you will want to seek employee screening services with DOT compliance to ensure the safety of your drivers and fulfillment of state and federal employment requirements. Below you can see the answers to some frequently asked questions related to DOT drug and alcohol screening for commercial drivers.

Who needs to undergo DOT motor carrier screening?

Individuals who are employed as CDL licensed commercial drivers, interstate motor carriers, or drivers for government, civic, or faith-based organizations will need to undergo DOT drug and alcohol screening prior to hiring. DOT screenings may also take place when there is reasonable suspicion of a driver’s drug or alcohol use, after a DOT accident, or at random.

What are employer responsibilities in screening?

Employers must implement and conduct drug and alcohol testing programs, which may mean offering resources for drivers, conducting random drug testing, and including guidelines within company policies. Self-employed individuals must meet testing requirements for both drivers and employers in order to follow DOT compliance.

Can drivers return to work following a positive screening?

If an employee has tested positive or refused a DOT drug and/or alcohol screen, he or she must undergo the return-to-duty process with a substance abuse professional prior to being eligible to return to a DOT safety-sensitive position. Following this process, another screening will be mandated to return to work. Refusal to take a DOT screening test will also require completion of the return-to-duty process as outlined by the FMCSA. Employers are under no obligation to re-employ the driver who has completed the return-to-duty process.

At Oschmann Employee Screening Services, you can find DOT compliant screening services to manage commercial drivers that you employ in Tucson. To schedule services or get more information, give us a call today at (520) 745-1029.

Regardless of the industry that your business serves, promoting a drug-free workplace with pre-employment screening can offer a strong sense of security and employee trust. Even if federal or state laws do not mandate drug testing for your industry, you might consider drug screening as part of your hiring policies, since screening can have the following benefits in protecting your business.

Employee safety

A drug-free workplace is a safe workplace, so you might ensure a sober workforce with drug screening as a condition of employment. This is particularly important if employees will be operating heavy machinery or working with potentially dangerous equipment that could lead to serious workplace injuries. Drug screening might also help you hire more reliable employees who will show up on time and stay focused on the job.

Liability protection

If employees do suffer injuries on the job as the result of drug or alcohol use, drug screening will be an integral step in eliminating your liability for the incident. A positive drug or alcohol screen may invalidate a worker’s compensation claim on part of an employee, saving you from the cost of compensating or rehiring an injured employee when drug use is a factor in the injury. The ability to deny a worker’s compensation claim will vary from state to state. Please refer to your own state’s worker’s compensation regulations.

Positive company reputation

For businesses that offer in-home service or specialized technical services, a company drug screening policy can instill consumer trust and give your company a more positive reputation. Furthermore, drug screening may promote fairer hiring practices, which can also reflect positively on your business.

If you are seeking drug and alcohol testing for your Southern Arizona business, contact Oschmann Employee Screening Services at (520) 745-1029. We are a DATIA Accredited Collection Facility offering a wide range of services with nearly 2 decades of experience, including DOT compliance, drug and alcohol screening, and background checks for businesses of all sizes.

Both the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration  (FAA) maintain strict drug and alcohol restrictions for employees. These restrictions exist not only to protect workers, but to promote the safety of passengers as well. The Drug Abatement Division of the FAA is tasked with development, implementation, and monitoring of drug testing programs, as well as enforcement of testing regulations to ensure all operators and facilities remain compliant.

Drug Abatement Division Duties

The Drug Abatement Division exists not only to enforce drug and alcohol testing regulations, but to develop better policies and testing implementation for safer workplaces and passenger transport as well. Furthermore, the Drug Abatement Division exists to assist all carriers within its jurisdiction with the creation and implementation of a drug testing program. Compliant drug testing programs should include actions such as pre-employment testing, random on-the-job testing, and a regulated return-to-duty process for employees that test positive for drugs or alcohol.

Drug Abatement Division Jurisdiction

The FAA’s Drug Abatement Division is responsible for enforcing drug testing regulations in a variety of settings. This division holds jurisdiction over drug testing development and implementation for part 119 certificate holders operating under parts 121 and 135, air tour operators as defined in 14 CFR part 91, and air traffic control facilities that are not operated by the FAA or currently under contract to the United States military. The Drug Abatement Division also holds jurisdiction over part 145 certificate holders and contractors that have opted to implement their own alcohol and drug testing program.

Oschmann Employee Screening Services is here to help you maintain DOT and FAA drug testing compliance in the state of Arizona. Our services include on-site drug testing and employee compliance training programs to promote a drug-free workplace for employee and client safety. You can find out more about us and our services on the web, or by calling (520) 745-1029 or (800) 224-8532.