Workplace safety is essential no matter where you work, but it takes on an extra level of importance if your job involves travel and transportation. If you are controlling a car, truck, airplane, or other vehicle, you are partially responsible for the safety of other drivers in traffic as well as passengers on-board your machine. Take a look ahead to find out who is subject to DOT compliance checks.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Individuals that work for different entities don’t all necessarily need to be tested at the same rate, but it’s the minimums that are important to understand. Commercial drivers for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA, and Canadian and Mexican carriers with drivers in the United States must be randomly tested for drugs and alcohol. Minimums for yearly drug testing are set at 50 percent, while the alcohol testing rate is only 10 percent.

Federal Aviation Administration

There is very little room for error in the aviation industry, as many lives are constantly at stake. This is why it is mandated that every air traffic controller and operator conform to anti-drug program requirements. This involves a 25 percent minimum annual drug testing rate and, like the FMCSA, a 10 percent annual alcohol testing rate.

Federal Railroad Administration

Anyone who works for the Federal Railroad Administration is subject to DOT compliance checks while employed. In this case the numbers are the same as the Federal Aviation Administration: A 25 percent minimum annual drug testing rate and a 10 percent minimum annual alcohol testing rate.

At Oschmann Employee Screening Services, we are happy to offer drug testing in Arizona in addition to DOT compliance checks so you can keep your employees safe and competent. You can find out much more about our screening services by visiting our website or giving us a call at (800) 224-8532 today.

The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) maintains strict drug and alcohol regulations for employees who work in the transportation industry. These regulations are designed to protect employees, passengers, and the general public from accidents and other incidents related to drug and alcohol use, and thus carry significant penalties for companies that fail to comply. Understanding these regulations and requirements can help employers ensure they are following the proper practices regarding drug and alcohol testing.

Is my company subject to DOT testing?

Current regulations regarding DOT drug and alcohol testing require employers and employees who work in safety-sensitive transportation or related positions to follow drug and alcohol testing regulations. The industries affected by DOT testing regulations include aviation, maritime transportation, trucking, commercial buses, railroads, and other forms of public transportation.

Can an employee be fired for refusing or failing a test?

If an employee tests positive or refuses a drug test, he may no longer perform safety-sensitive duties for any DOT employer until several steps have been taken. However, the DOT does not regulate employers’ actions regarding termination for failure of a drug test or refusal to test. These actions are at the employer’s discretion, and should be communicated to employees during the hiring process.

What happens if an employee tests positive?

Employees who test positive for drugs or alcohol may no longer perform their duties if these duties are in a safety-sensitive area as outlined by the DOT. Before he can return to safety-sensitive duties, the employee must work with a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and successfully complete the DOT’s required return-to-duty process. This process includes a second drug or alcohol test, which must return negative results.

Do you have more questions about DOT drug and alcohol compliance and how these regulations affect your company? At Oschmann Employee Screening Services, we specialize in DOT drug and alcohol testing services in Arizona, as well as compliance audits to help your company follow these important regulations. You can find out more about our DOT-related services on the web, or by calling (800) 224-8532.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, prescription drugs are abused more commonly than any other substances besides marijuana and alcohol. Prescription drug abuse is perhaps surprisingly widespread, and can affect people in many different industries. As an employer, it is essential to educate yourself on prescription drug abuse so that you can be mindful of the signs of abuse among your workers. Drug testing in Arizona can reveal prescription drug abuse, which can greatly hinder the safety and productivity of your workforce. Keep reading to find out the basics of prescription drug abuse.

Commonly Abused Drugs

There are three different classes of prescription drugs that are most commonly abused. The first is opioids, also known as painkillers, and includes drugs such as oxycodone, Demerol, Dilaudid, and Vicodin. Opioids can treat pain, and may produce a euphoric feeling when abused. Central nervous system depressants such as Xanax, Valium, and Ativan are prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders, but are often abused. These depressants can produce a calming feeling, but over time, more and more of the medication is needed to produce the same effect. The last category of abused prescription drugs is stimulants such as Adderall or Ritalin, which are used to treat ADD and narcolepsy. These can increase alertness but can have adverse side effects such as irregular heartbeats.

Abuse on the Rise

Prescription drug abuse is growing more and more common, perhaps because of the wider availability of these drugs. Some doctors are quick to write prescriptions for addictive drugs, which can easily be abused even if they start off being used properly. There are also online outlets for obtaining prescription drugs that make it easy for just about anyone to procure them. Medical detox treatment may be necessary depending on the severity of the abuse, as addiction to prescription medications is a serious health risk.

Oschmann Employee Screening Services of Arizona recognizes the risks that prescription drug abuse pose to the safety of your employees and clients. Contact us at (800) 224-8532 to learn about implementing a drug-free workplace policy, and how drug testing can play an important role in it.

Drug abuse is an epidemic that affects the entire country. If you are worried about a friend or coworker’s drug use, it is important to collect accurate information about addictive drugs and their signs of abuse. When you take the time to learn about the signs and dangers of addictive drugs, you will be better able to spot the signs of addiction. Here is an overview of some of the most commonly abused drugs in the United States.

Marijuana

Marijuana is illegal in the state of Arizona, and this substance can drastically impair users. A person who abuses marijuana may show signs of memory loss, lack of attention, and learning problems. Heavy use of this drug may also lead to addiction and other serious problems, such as psychosis. A urine drug test can reveal traces of THC-A, which is among the many chemical compounds found in marijuana that stays in the body for several weeks after use.

Opioids

Opioids are a class of medications that are commonly prescribed by medical professionals to treat severe pain. Prescription opioid medications, such as OxyContin and morphine, are highly addictive and deadly when taken in high doses. In fact, opioid overdose is the leading cause of drug related deaths. When a person withdraws from opioid addiction, he or she may experience very severe symptoms.

Amphetamines

Unlike marijuana or opioids, which are typically classified as depressants, amphetamines typically cause greater alertness and stimulation for the user. Amphetamines are sometimes abused by workers who are scheduled for overnight or overtime shifts. If a person abuses amphetamines regularly, brain damage can occur. Use of amphetamines can also affect a person’s motor and verbal functions.

At Oschmann Employee Screening, we are here to help you create a drug free workplace. With our drug testing services in Arizona, you can screen current and prospective employees for illegal drug use. Additionally, we also offer supervisor and employee training so that you can continue your drug prevention program. Call us at (800) 224-8532 to receive more information about the drug testing services that we can provide for your business.

Drug and alcohol abuse are serious problems in the workplace. While employees may feel that substance abuse at home doesn’t impact their jobs, excessive drinking or drug use can put coworkers, clients, and property at risk. In addition to maintaining a strong drug and alcohol testing program at work, it’s important to know the signs of alcohol abuse to recognize when it’s time to take action on behalf of an affected employee.

Missed or Late Attendance and Work

Employees suffering from an alcohol problem often deviate from their regular work schedule and may skip work or arrive on the job late. Employee absences due to a drinking habit may grow more frequent as the problem worsens. Similarly, these employees may forget or miss important deadlines and meetings, and often suffer from a decline in productivity and overall performance.

Small and Large Accidents

Alcohol impairs both physical and mental performance. An employee with a drinking problem may suffer from various forms of impairment associated with either states of drunkenness or withdrawal symptoms. Furthermore, alcohol can have a long-term effect on the body, causing deterioration in health and coordination. All of these factors can contribute to an increasing number of small or large accidents associated with the affected employee, from dropped or damaged objects to serious injuries in extreme cases.

Changes in Demeanor

An employee suffering from alcohol abuse may grow sullen and withdrawn, particularly when asked about his hobbies, his personal life, or his health. Especially if an employee was once friendly and forthcoming, a change in social habits should indicate cause for concern. Employees who abuse alcohol may also develop workplace difficulties and stop contributing to group discussions and projects.

At Oschmann Employee Screening Services, we can help you develop and implement an effective workplace drug and alcohol testing and prevention program. Our Arizona company has been providing drug testing and training services since 1996; you can find out more about our compliance and testing solutions on our website, or reach us locally by phone at (520) 745-1029 or toll-free at (800) 224-8532.