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Are You Doing Everything Right by the FAA?

For those businesses in the aviation field, the Federal Aviation Administration regulates employee drug testing and a variety of other services. If your company is regulated by the FAA, you will need to make sure that your drug testing is compliant with the agency’s rules and regulations. In order to help employers with their drug screening in Arizona, the FAA has devised a series of checklists and other informational documents. Here is a closer look at how to determine whether you are doing everything right by the FAA.

 Obtain the Necessary Documents

When you are setting up drug testing through the FAA, you will need to start by obtaining all of the necessary documents. For example, an Antidrug and Alcohol Prevention Program Operations Specification letter will allow you to start working with the drug abatement division of the FAA. By starting out with the right documents, you can ensure that your program is compliant with the law.

 Set Up a Testing Program

Once you have obtained all of the right documents, you will be ready to start setting up your testing program. In order to be FAA compliant, you will need to perform both pre-employment testing and random testing. Pre-employment testing will allow you to screen out workers who are not eligible to participate in your company activities. With random testing, you will be able to maintain a drug-free workspace.

 Understand the Collection Process

The collection process is a vital part of drug testing through the FAA. During the collection process, your drug testing technicians will make sure that the procedure is performed responsibly and in accordance with the law. For example, you will need to make sure that your collection site is screening for the proper results.

 At Oschmann Employee Screening, our experienced technicians can help you set up a drug testing program for your employees. With the help of our team of technicians in Tucson, you will be able to create a drug-free atmosphere. To learn more about our drug testing services, call us at (520) 745-1029.

 

Getting Help with DOT Compliance Issues

Anyone who drives or operates a motor vehicle for a living must comply with the rules set forth by the Department of Transportation. There are a few different methods that a business might use to measure this compliance, including drug testing in Arizona. Continue on if you need help with DOT compliance issues.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

Jobs that involve driving, like commercial truck driving or even local delivery, require employees to be completely alert, capable, and sober at all times. Drugs and alcohol both describe addictive substances that can impair a driver’s ability to concentrate, balance, or even react within a reasonable amount of time. This is why it is of the utmost importance that the driver complies with the rules and regulations set by the Department of Transportation. Drug and alcohol testing can help employers decide if their drivers indeed comply with these rules.

If an individual fails to comply with the appropriate D.O.T. measures, it is the employer’s responsibility to remove that individual from tasks that could violate the safety of others. As an employer, you must make a list of Substance Abuse Professionals available to the offending employee. The SAP will outline a treatment or counseling program and then reevaluate the employee for compliance. Regular and random testing for drugs and alcohol should follow this offense and treatment.

Seeking Auditing Services

A professional drug and alcohol testing and employee screening company can help you take the necessary actions when an employee experiences D.O.T. compliance issues. Choose a trustworthy and experience company that is willing to work with your specific needs.

Do you need help with DOT compliance issues? Call Oschmann Employee Screening Services at (520) 745-1029. It is our mission to help companies with DOT compliance issues and offer drug testing in Arizona. Feel free to visit our website if you would like to learn more information about our business.

 

Avoid Common Mistakes in Your Workplace Drug Testing Program

Drug testing in Arizona can keep the workforce in top shape and reduce the likelihood of accidents or injuries. However, many companies make a few common mistakes that diminish the effectiveness of their testing programs. Keep reading and avoid these common mistakes in your workplace drug testing program.

No Random Screening

Testing a promising applicant for drugs before hiring is a great idea, but it is not unbeatable. Drug users might expect to be tested upon hiring for a job and put their habit on hold until they have passed the test. Random screening, on the other hand, can be more effective. Even if an employee passes the initial drug test, there will be follow ups to ensure that he or she did not simply slip through the cracks. This method is made more effective when testing is truly random.

Too Much Notice

Even in the case of random screening, employees are often able to fool their drug tests. This typically occurs because they are given too much notice or are allowed to take too much time to complete their testing procedure. This allows drug users to show a false positive in a number of different ways. They can even cease their drug use again, just like they did to pass the initial drug test.

No Medical Marijuana Consideration

One drug in particular makes drug testing trickier: marijuana. Medical marijuana is legal in many states, and it can offer sufferers relief from crippling symptoms. Failing to create a specific policy for medical marijuana patients can make drug testing complicated and counterproductive.

If you are interested in tightening up your workplace drug testing program, contact Oschmann Employee Screening Services or visit our website. We help businesses stay drug free by offering drug testing in Arizona. You can learn much more about our services by giving us a call at (520) 745-1029 today.

 

Tips for Establishing a Drug-Free Work Culture

A drug-free workplace is a positive environment that encourages communication, responsibility, respect, and support. Establishing a drug-free work culture can be a valuable component of any workplace drug and alcohol policy. Keep reading for a few helpful tips on how to establish a drug-free culture at work that helps your business save money, reduce accidents and injuries, and promote positive problem-solving for a healthier workplace.

Create a Clear Written Policy

A drug-free workplace starts with a clear and accessible drug and alcohol policy. The tone of your policy and its extent will in large part define your workplace drug program by outlining the expectations placed on employees, drug testing frequency and requirements, and the actions to be taken when a violation occurs. Providing this information to all employees in a transparent and easily-accessible way will not only spread knowledge of your workplace policies, but encourage peer support and enforcement as well.

Provide Education and Training

In the vast majority of cases, it falls to employees and supervisors to identify the signs of a drug or alcohol problem in a coworker. Handling a drug or alcohol concern properly not only reflects well on your company, but also creates the positive atmosphere of support you want to encourage in your drug-free workplace culture. Providing education and training for employees reduces the risks of false accusations and increases the likelihood of a positive outcome by teaching employees how to properly handle their concerns, as well as the importance of respect and support during treatment and rehabilitation.

Oschmann Employee Screening Services is dedicated to promoting drug and alcohol education and policy compliance for businesses throughout Arizona. You can find out more about our screening options and employee training services when you visit us on the web, or by calling (520) 745-1029 or (800) 224-8532 to reach us toll-free.

FAQs About Workplace Drug Testing

FAQs About Workplace Drug TestingRegular drug testing is an effective way to promote a safe and drug-free workplace. Drug testing can be tailored to meet your business’ needs, as well as ensure compliance with any company, state, or federal regulations. Keep reading for the answers to some of the most common questions that businesses ask about workplace drug testing in Arizona.

Do We Test Everyone At Once?

After implementing a new drug or alcohol policy, companies often wonder whether all employees should be tested at once. The ultimate choice is up to you—if your company is small, it may be easy to test all employees at once; alternatively, you may wish to rotate testing or select employees randomly for testing at given intervals. Establishing a baseline for each employee can be useful, but is not necessary for a successful drug testing program.

Who Should We Test?

The choice of which employees to test, as well as whether you wish to require pre-employment drug testing, is generally up to your business and the policy you want to enforce. In some cases, federal regulations stipulate which employees must be tested, such as employees of the Department of Transportation that are directly responsible for crew, passenger, and general public welfare.

Which Drugs Are Identified?

The five most common drugs tested for in American workplaces are marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, and phencyclidine. In most cases, testing for these five drugs and alcohol is sufficient, including companies that must comply with Department of Transportation requirements. You may opt to test for additional substances, depending on your specific workplace concerns and the services offered by your drug testing service.

Whether you are looking to implement a new drug policy or require up-to-date drug testing results for your employees, Oschmann Employee Screening Services can provide the solution you need. We offer convenient on-site drug and alcohol testing, and well as employee training and DOT compliance qualification. You can reach us by phone at (520) 745-1029 or toll-free at (800) 224-8532, or click through our website for additional information.

DOT Motor Carrier Drug & Alcohol Screening: Common Questions

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.