Author: Administrator

Drug and alcohol testing are important parts of maintaining a safe working environment for many businesses, especially those companies that are subject to DOT regulations. Both reasonable suspicion and random testing play roles, but what is the difference between them, and how should they be applied?

Reasonable Suspicion Testing

Reasonable suspicion testing—also called cause testing—is, as the name suggests, performed when there is a reason to believe that an employee is using drugs or alcohol. Reasonable suspicion testing is used on both DOT-regulated companies and non-DOT businesses, but there are very tight rules that apply to how it can be applied.

First, your workplace must have a clear drug and alcohol policy that has been provided to employees and that they acknowledge receiving. This policy should state the procedure for reasonable suspicion testing, how and when it can be applied, and who can order it. Generally, this kind of testing can be ordered when there are signs of impairment on the job, but the symptoms must be observed by a supervisor—not simply reported by another employee—and the reasons for ordering a test must be documented. Following these guidelines is essential for avoiding legal complications regarding improper reasonable suspicion testing.

Random Testing

Random drug and alcohol testing are done without warning or pattern, in the absence of any indicators of substance abuse. This kind of testing is required by the DOT for employees who work in safety-sensitive fields. For example, truck drivers are subject to random testing.

Employees who are subject to DOT rules are required to comply with all random drug and alcohol testing requests. Refusing to do so can result in removal from duty.

Drug and alcohol testing requirements can be complex, but HDS Safety Services can help you navigate the process while building a safer workplace. For drug and alcohol testing Tucson, please call (520) 622-0419.

For DOT-regulated drug and alcohol testing, split specimens are standard practice. A split specimen test proceeds much the same as any other urine test. However, the driver’s collected urine is divided into two samples. If the first tested sample reveals a positive result, the second sample can be tested to either confirm or reject the findings of the first test.

Background of Split Specimen Tests

Split specimen tests protect drivers and other employees from false positives. This testing procedure became mandatory for the transportation industry in 1991 when the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act (OTETA) was passed. OTETA’s split specimen provisions were intended to protect drivers from faulty lab equipment, lab mix-ups, and false positives triggered by the presence of legitimate medications or foods. Under the OTETA, only the employee can request testing of the second sample. The DOT, employer, or medical review officer (MRO) doesn’t have the authority to order testing of the second sample.

Benefits of Split Specimen Tests

Split specimen tests are beneficial for both employees and employers. Employees get peace of mind knowing that a lab mix-up or equipment malfunction won’t cost them their jobs and good reputation. Employers also benefit from split specimen drug and alcohol testing. They can rest assured knowing that the employee can’t provide an artificially clean sample of urine for a second test—only urine that has already been collected will be tested.

Payment for Split Specimen Tests

Once an employee has been notified by the MRO that the first sample tested positive, he or she has 72 hours to request a test of the second sample. If the employee can’t pay for the second test, the FMCSA requires the employer to pay for it so that the test can be conducted in a timely manner. Following this, the employer may seek reimbursement from the employee in accordance with any applicable collective bargaining policy or written company policy.

 

HDS Safety Services is a leading provider of drug and alcohol testing for safety-sensitive workers. Our collection sites are available around the country, with secure storage of electronic results. Call (520) 622-0419 to speak with a drug and alcohol testing expert in Tucson, AZ.

DOT-compliant drug testing programs are intended to protect the safety of everyone on the roadways. Drivers who hold CDL licenses may be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing after they get into an accident. Since not all substances remain in the body for prolonged periods of time, post-accident testing should be done as quickly as possible.

Must drivers be suspended pending the results?

Ultimately, a driver is always subject to any restrictions placed by law enforcement officials, or by the FMCSA or DOT regulations. However, if a particular driver is not subject to restrictions from these agencies, then he or she can continue driving while awaiting the results of the post-accident drug screen. Individual employers may have different policies in place.

When must alcohol tests be performed?

Under Federal Code 382.303, an alcohol test should be administered as soon as practicable. If an alcohol test cannot be administered within two hours of the accident, the employer is legally required to create and maintain a record that states the test was not administered within this time period. If the alcohol test is not administered within eight hours, employers must cease trying to get the test administered. They must also prepare and maintain an official record to that effect.

What happens if the surviving driver is injured?

Federal Code 382.303 states that drivers are required to remain readily available for testing, or else the employer will record them as refusing to submit to testing. However, there is an exception. The regulations do not require drivers to delay seeking necessary medical attention in order to get to a testing facility. The same exception applies to drivers who need to obtain accident response assistance.

 

When must controlled substance tests be performed?

The regulations require controlled substance tests to be performed within 32 hours of an accident. Since substances degrade in the body over time, it is not expected that employers will continue to try to arrange for testing after this point. If the test isn’t properly administered, the employer is required to create and maintain a record to that effect.

 

Post-accident drug testing is one of the many DOT-compliant services we provide here at HDS Safety Services. You can call our office in Tucson at (520) 622-0419 for the answers to all of your questions about drug and alcohol testing.

For the first time in more than 20 years, the federal agency responsible for motor carrier regulation has issued official guidance on personal conveyance. That’s where a commercial truck or bus driver can operate the vehicle while off duty and isn’t subject to on-duty hours restrictions. Personal conveyance can be a bit confusing for some drivers and carriers. Please see this article written by Aaron Marsh at FleetOwner.com for more details.

https://www.fleetowner.com/resource-center/regulations/article/21702550/10-things-to-know-about-personal-conveyance

If you want to make sure that your trucking company is adhering to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, you will need to have a system set up to administer drug and alcohol tests as needed. You probably already know that you need to do pre-employment testing, as well as testing after accidents and testing when you have reasonable suspicion to believe that an employee has violated the rules. But you will also need to perform random screenings when necessary. Here is a guide to random screenings and how they affect your business:

How many random drug tests must be administered each year?
According to DOT regulations, your company needs to perform a certain number of random drug and alcohol tests annually. The minimum number of random alcohol tests administered every year is 10 percent of the average number of drivers who are employed at your company. The minimum number of random tests for controlled substances is 25 percent of the average number of drivers you employ.

Can an employee be subjected to a random drug test more than once a year?
Yes, employees are not removed from the random testing pool after they have been tested, so they can be tested again if they are randomly selected again.

Are employees who are not full-time drivers included in the random drug tests?
If an employee at your company is licensed to drive a commercial vehicle and may be asked to drive at any time as a part of his or her job duties, then that employee needs to be included in the random drug tests.

What if I have driving positions that are not currently filled?
If you have driving positions at your company that are vacant, you do not need to include those when calculating the percentage of drivers you employ so you can administer random drug tests.

HDS Safety Services offers a wide array of important services for companies that require drivers, including establishing good hiring practices, performing drug and alcohol testing, and maintaining driver qualification files. If you’d like to learn more about how our services can help your company, call us today at (520) 622-0419.

When you drive for a living, you can’t expect to use drugs or alcohol to get yourself through your shift. As long as your shifts may be, you have to get yourself in the right physical and mental shape to handle them without any accidents. Alcohol testing helps employers decide who belongs on the team, so read ahead and see how alcohol testing works.

The Process
There are a couple of ways that alcohol testing can work, but the most common method is to analyze the subject’s urine. Your alcohol testing professional will have the employee step into a bathroom and give a urine sample that you can test for a multitude of drugs, including alcohol. The breathalyzers that police officers use when testing drivers for alcohol aren’t used so frequently in the workplace.

What It Does for the Company
Alcohol doesn’t stay in the system for very long compared to other drugs, so if it’s found during a pre-employment drug test, it could be a sign to take note of. No commercial driver should have any alcohol in his or her system while driving a vehicle. By testing your applicants for alcohol, you can tell which ones will pose a threat to your company and which ones will be more appropriate for the job.

How It Helps the Public
Drunk driving has become a serious threat and an unfortunate problem on the road. It causes needless injuries, fatalities, and damages, and businesses should put protective measures in place to limit the effects. By alcohol testing each of your employees during pre-employment screening and on a random basis, you can make the roads safer for everyone.

Are you looking for alcohol testing, so you can safely round out your team? Call HDS Safety Services at (520) 622-0419 so we can help. Our drug and alcohol testing services will help you screen your employees and find the best people for the job.

Business is always competitive, but the stakes are higher when you work on the road. Veteran drivers know how to avoid accidents and damages on the road, but new hires aren’t always as savvy. Keep reading for some tips on choosing qualified drivers for your business.

Run Background Checks
When you hire someone to work on your team, you acknowledge that the person will represent your company. If you want to keep your company’s name in good standing and your business on track, you should find out as much as you can about anyone you bring on board. Background checks give you some insight that can help you decide if a person is going to be an asset or a setback to your company. Use these checks to guide your decisions so you can keep moving ahead.

Use Drug Screening
Drug use hurts everyone, and your company and your clients are no exception. If you hire someone who can’t do his or her job because of a drug problem, you’ll still be held accountable for your late deliveries and any other mishaps that may happen. That’s why it’s a good idea to screen your new hires for drugs before you hire them. It’s also mandated by the DOT.

Hire Professionals
You might not have the time to screen each individual employee before hiring, but you can hire another company to get the job done. Work with a company that specializes in pre-employment qualifications to make sure you’re picking the best candidate out of the pool to add to your team of professionals.

Every commercial driving company in the industry should have qualified drivers, and at HDS Safety Services, we can help you choose the best people for your team. Give us a call at (520) 622-0419 or browse through our website if you’d like to learn about our company.

Trucking companies work under strict regulations and monitoring from the DOT and DPS. That’s because the safety of the industry affects the safety of roads across the nation, so drivers need to keep accurate logs, maintain their vehicles and follow inspection requirements, avoid drug and alcohol use and comply with regular screenings and random drug tests. Driver logs are one feature of your business that the DOT will pay attention to during an inspection, so it can pay off to schedule regular log audits, which will keep your drivers and your business complaint.

How does log auditing work?
Log audits can occur monthly or quarterly for a small monthly fee. During audits, safety professionals at HDS Safety Services will identify any violations and bring them to your attention. To perform an audit, simply send copies of drivers’ logs via fax, mail, or email. Services are provided nationwide, but local businesses in Tucson can also bring their logs to the HDS office in person.

What happens when violations are found?
Any violations encountered will be noted on the logs, and suggestions will be provided to remedy these issues in future trips. This will allow you to fix problems before a DOT inspection, helping you stay prepared and compliant.

Why should you use professional auditing services?
Professional auditing services can pay for themselves when you consider the costs of potential liabilities and DOT fees for violating regulations. In addition, these audits can help to ensure that you know which rules and regulations your drivers are subject to and highlight any drivers who may not be meeting the standards of your company.

HDS Safety Services offers decades of experience in audits and pre-audits to protect you from DOT violations. If you want to learn more about our services, give us a call at (520) 622-0419. You can also browse our website for further reading.

Hiring unqualified workers can turn into a liability in any industry or job setting, but it can be especially dangerous on the road. Anyone who drives for a living must understand certain safety rules and abide by them in order to avoid injuries and damages. Keep reading and see if your drivers are qualified for work.

Knowing Why You Need Qualified Drivers
Everyone you hire should be capable of performing the duties outlined in the job description, but there’s an extra level of importance placed on drivers. This is because drivers interact with other motorists, passengers, and pedestrians, so they need to know how to stay safe. An unqualified driver is more likely to cause an accident on the road, which is a liability for your company. Make sure you only hire those who have proven themselves capable of taking on the responsibilities of the job.

Discovering Your Drivers’ Backgrounds
You can only tell so much about a person through an interview, so you might want to bring in the professionals if you’re vetting applicants for a driving position. You need to make sure any driver you hire is up to the task to keep everyone on the road safe and business moving. Driver qualification file service and management can be of help, and pre-employment qualification will ensure that you only hire drivers who can perform.

Finding a Compliance Company
There’s a lot to deal with when you own a business, which can make it difficult to stay on top of compliance. A compliance company can take care of that for you, so you can focus on the other aspects of your job. Choose one that has real experience in the industry, and make sure you find the right fit before making an agreement.

A competent workforce is integral to your business’s success, so call HDS Safety Services at (520) 622-0419 and see how we can help. Compliance and safety training is one of our specialties, and you can learn all about our services by checking out our website.

Accidents happen, but they shouldn’t happen more than occasionally. Drug testing can help supervisors understand the nature of the accident and make any necessary changes to keep the workplace safe and the team in good health. Keep reading for more on why employees need to be drug tested after on the job accidents.

Understanding the Incident

No matter how much you trust an employee, it’s important to find out the real details surrounding a workplace accident. If a drug test reveals that one of the employees involved in the incident was using non-prescribed or illegal drugs, then this presents a few problems. Not only did this person violate your trust by using the drugs in the first place, but the use of that drug may have also contributed to the accident.

Maintaining a Safe Workplace

Even if you’re amazing at your job, you should never take the risk of doing it on drugs. If you have any suspicion that drug use was a factor that may have caused or facilitated the accident, it’s important to take action. Everyone deserves to work in a safe space, and accidents that occur due to employee drug use do not promote that idea, which can be detrimental to overall morale. Holding team members responsible for their actions is essential if you want to maintain a level playing field.

Keeping Employees Healthy

As upset as you might be about an accident on the job, you should still care for your employees if they are facing drug problems. If you find out that one of your employees has been using drugs—whether or not it was the cause of the accident—you should take the opportunity to encourage him or her to get help.

Are you looking to implement a drug testing policy for your employees? Contact the professionals at HDS Safety Services or head over to our website. You can also call us at (520) 622-0419 to find out how our drug testing and compliance auditing services work.

Hazardous materials are inherently dangerous, but sometimes it’s the nature of your job to deal with them. Practicing hazmat safety protects the work environment and your employees. Thorough training can help your employees stay safe and keep your operation DOT compliant. Feel free to read ahead if you’d like a closer look at hazmat safety.

Keeping a Safe Workplace

Every industry deals with its own kinds of safety hazards, and most have different ways of keeping the workplace safe. From commercial kitchen fires to construction accidents, there are always going to be problems to avoid. If you work with hazardous materials, the danger is part of the job. However, you can work with a safety and compliance company to make sure your workplace is as safe as it can be.

Training Your Employees

If you’re handling dangerous materials, you need to be confident in your ability to do so. Make sure that every new employee that you hire gets the training he or she needs to deal with hazardous materials comfortably. If there are any signs of discomfort, go over any problems that the person might have.

Being DOT Compliant

When work takes you on the road, it’s not just one workplace that you need to keep safe. Remember that your actions can affect anyone else who happens to be in your vicinity on the road. This is why the Department of Transportation holds drivers to strict rules that govern their behavior on and off the road, as well as the policies that the business itself holds. If your company deals with hazardous materials and you want to be DOT compliant, you will need your employees to be knowledgeable and safe.

If you need any help being safe when handling hazardous materials, call HDS Safety Services at (520) 622-0419. Our services include DOT compliance consulting and alcohol and drug testing. You can always check out our website if you’d like to learn more about our business.