Employee Screening: Hiring The Right Way

Employee Screening: Hiring Right

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced business environment, finding the right employees is more crucial than ever. From ensuring they have the necessary skills to confirming their fitness for the job, comprehensive employee screening processes are indispensable. For HR professionals, fleet managers, and employers, understanding the various types of physicals, drug tests, and compliance requirements is essential to maintaining a safe and productive workplace. This blog post delves into these critical elements, providing you with the knowledge and tools to streamline your hiring process.

What Our Customers Say about Us

John L gave us a 5 star google rating and said, From the beginning, Brenda has been a wealth of knowledge and has been very patient explaining aspect of the DOT random drug testing program. I called multiple times to clarify our responsibility and what WSI could do to help and Brenda has been cheerful and eager to help us get started. Phil the CEO of the company also provided guidance and was knowledge and was very pleasant throughout. I’m glad to have found WSI, this is truly a customer first company.

For more 5 star reviews: Testimonials

Need to order a drug screen or other employee screening service today?  Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: Order Here

Employment Drug Screening

Employee drug screening is a critical component of the hiring process for many businesses. It helps ensure that prospective employees are not only qualified but also fit to perform their duties safely and effectively. Drug screening can be categorized into two main types: regulated drug tests and non regulated drug tests.

Regulated Drug Test vs. Non Regulated Drug Test

  • Regulated Drug Tests: These are mandated by federal or state regulations, particularly for safety-sensitive positions. For instance, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires drug testing for commercial drivers. It is very important that DOT and Federal tests are done a Regulated Drug test form.
  • Non Regulated Drug Tests: These are not required by law but are conducted by employers to maintain workplace safety and productivity. The non regulated drug test is used for State drug testing such as the Ohio BWC Testing Program or CAPUC testing – California Public Utilities Commission testing program.  It is important that you utilize the non regulated drug test form.  If you utilize the regulated drug  test form for non regulated drug test, you can face fines from DOT.

What is a NON DOT Drug Test?

A non DOT drug test is a drug screening process that does not comply with the Department of Transportation’s regulations. While DOT tests are mandatory for certain industries, non-DOT tests are often used by employers in other sectors. These tests can be tailored to the employer’s specific needs and may include various panels depending on the substances they wish to screen for.

  • What is a 5 Panel Drug Test?: This test screens for five common drugs: marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP.
  • What is a 10 Panel Drug Test?: This test is more comprehensive, screening for ten substances, including the five in the 5-panel test plus barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methadone, propoxyphene, and Quaaludes or Methaqualone.
  • What panels are available for Hair Follicle testing?  The panels above and also additional testing up to a 17 panel including Fentanyl test, Buprenorphine test, ketamine Test, Meperidine Test, Zolpidem Test and Methcathinone Test.

DOT Drug Test

The DOT drug test is a regulated drug test mandatory for employees in safety-sensitive positions, particularly in the transportation industry. It includes a urine test that screens for substances such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. Employers must comply with DOT regulations to ensure the safety of their operations and the public.

Failed DOT Drug Test: What Happens Now?

If an employee fails a DOT drug test, the consequences can be severe. They will be removed from safety-sensitive duties and required to undergo a return-to-duty process, which includes evaluation by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and follow-up testing. Employers must also report the failed test to the FMCSA Clearinghouse, a secure online database that tracks violations of drug and alcohol program requirements for commercial drivers. Need to start a Return to duty process, contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or [email protected]

Drug Screen Near Me

If you are searching for a drug screen near me or a dot drug screen near me, you have come to the right place.  We have over 20,000 plus locations near your workplace or home.  That means you can order a drug screen today and your employee can complete today or at their convenience.  Need to find a site today?  Press on link for list of convenient locations near your workplace or home: Locations

Need to order a drug screen or other employee screening service today?  Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: Order Here

Medical Review Officer- MRO

A Medical Review Officer – MRO plays a crucial role in the drug testing process. They are responsible for reviewing and interpreting positive test results to ensure accuracy and fairness. The Medical Review Officer MRO contacts the employee to discuss the results and determine if there is a legitimate medical explanation for the positive test. This step helps protect both the employer and the employee from potential inaccuracies or misunderstandings. The Medical Review Officer MRO is also responsible for the safety sensitive letter and non-contact positive process.

FMCSA Clearinghouse

The FMCSA Clearinghouse is an online database established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to track violations of drug and alcohol regulations by commercial drivers. Employers must report any violations, including failed  tests, to the Clearinghouse. This system helps ensure that drivers who violate drug and alcohol regulations are identified and removed from safety-sensitive positions until they complete the required return-to-duty process. FMCSA Employers must do the following to be compliant with the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Mandate:

  1. Register in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
  2. Write a FMCSA Clearinghouse addendum to your DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing policy.
  3. Educate your supervisors and employees on Rights and Responsibilities of the Clearinghouse FMCSA.
  4. Perform pre-employment queries on each new hire.
  5. Perform annual queries on all drivers.
  6. Report all positive alcohols to the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
  7. Document and report all collection site refusals to  the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
  8. Document and report all known drug and alcohol use to the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
  9. Report all return to duty test to the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
  10. Report Follow-up testing program completion to the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
  11. Medical Review Officer – MRO report all positive drug screens to the FMCSA Clearinghouse.

An employer may choose to appoint a CTPA, like Workplace Screening Intelligence, to perform some or all duties in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.  For more information about WSI’s FMCSA Clearinghouse Program, contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or [email protected] or press on link below for more information about WSI FMCSA Clearinghouse Services: Fmcsa Chs 

Physical Examinations

Physical examinations are an essential component of the employee screening process, particularly for positions that require physical fitness or involve safety-sensitive duties. There are two main types of physicals: DOT physicals and non DOT physicals.

DOT Physical

A DOT physical is a medical examination required by the Department of Transportation for commercial drivers and other safety-sensitive employees. This exam ensures that the employee is physically and mentally fit to perform their duties safely. The DOT physical includes a review of the employee’s medical history, a physical examination, vision and hearing tests, and a urinalysis. DOT Physical is repeated every 2 years unless health condition exist.  Those DOT Physical need to be repeated every 90-365 days or until the health condition is addressed.

Does a DOT Physical Include a Drug Test?

While a DOT physical itself does not include a drug test, employers often require both a DOT physical and a DOT drug test as part of the pre-employment screening process. This ensures that the employee meets all necessary health and safety requirements.

Need to order a DOT Physical Near Me or other employee screening service today?  Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: Order Here

Non DOT Physical

A non DOT physical is a medical examination tailored to the specific needs of the employer or industry. Unlike DOT physicals, non DOT physicals are not regulated by the Department of Transportation and can vary in scope and requirements. These exams may include a review of the employee’s medical history, a physical examination, and tests relevant to the job’s physical demands. Non DOT Physicals may also include: Lift Test, Respiratory Questionnaire, Respiratory Fit Test and more.

Need to order a NON  DOT Physical Near Me or other employee screening service today?  Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: Order Here

Not So Frequently Asked Questions

Do Shrooms Show Up on a Drug Test?

Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as shrooms, are not typically included in standard drug tests like the 5-panel or 10-panel tests. However, specialized tests can detect psilocybin and its metabolites. Employers concerned about the use of shrooms may need to request specific testing for these substances.

What Are Quaaludes?

Quaaludes are a brand name for methaqualone, a sedative-hypnotic drug that was popular in the 1960s and 1970s. Although it is no longer legally available in the United States, Quaaludes may still be encountered in some drug tests, particularly those that screen for a wide range of substances, like the 10-panel test.

What Random Testing Consortiums does Workplace Screening Intelligence offer:

DOT Consortiums:

FAA Random Drug Testing Consortium, FMCSA Random Drug Testing Consortium, FRA Random Drug Testing Consortium, FTA Random Drug Testing Consortium, PHMSA Random Drug Testing Consortium, and US Coast Guard Random Drug Testing Consortium.

NON-DOT Consortiums:

CAPUC Random Drug Testing Consortium, NON-DOT Random Drug Testing Consortium, OHIO BWC 5% Random Drug Testing Consortium, OHIO BWC 15% Random Drug Testing Consortium.

What other services does Workplace Screening Offer?

Titer testing – Hepatitis B titer, TB Transferrin Gold test, MMR Titer and more.

General Health Testing, Lipid panel, CMP – Comprehensive Metabolic Profile and many more.

Let Our 30 Years of Experience and Technology Be Your Peace of Mind

With over 30 years of experience in employee screening and a robust technological infrastructure, we provide comprehensive solutions to streamline your hiring process. Our electronic ordering and tracking systems empower employers to make informed hiring decisions quickly and efficiently. From drug testing to physical examinations, we offer a full range of services to meet your needs.

Conclusion

Employee screening is a vital part of the hiring process, ensuring that your workforce is not only qualified but also fit for duty. By understanding the various types of physicals and drug tests, HR professionals, fleet managers, and employers can make informed decisions that enhance workplace safety and productivity. Whether you need a regulated DOT drug test, a non DOT drug test, or a comprehensive physical examination, our expertise and technology provide the peace of mind you need in today’s competitive business environment.

Call to Action

Ready to streamline your hiring process? Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive employee screening services and how we can help you hire right. Visit our website or call us at [Your Phone Number] to get started. Let’s make your hiring process efficient, compliant, and effective.

By addressing the key areas of employee screening, this blog post aims to provide HR professionals, fleet managers, and employers with a thorough understanding of the importance and intricacies of drug testing and physical examinations. Utilizing the targeted keywords ensures that the content is optimized for search engines, increasing visibility and engagement.

What Our Customers say about Us

Carlie M. gave us a 5 Star Google Review and said, “Brenda is amazing! Always so helpful and knowledgeable. Switching from our old provider to WSI has made my job SO much easier”!!

Need to order a drug screen or other employee screening service today?  Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: Order Here


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