Effective Employee Screening For Employers and Human
Resources Professionals
In today’s competitive business environment, screening employees is more critical than ever. It ensures that you hire the right people, maintain workplace safety, and comply with federal and state regulations. This comprehensive blog post covers various aspects of employee screening, including drug testing, physicals, and background checks, providing you with valuable insights and practical tips to streamline your hiring process.
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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 aspects 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 knowledgeable and was very pleasant throughout. I’m glad to have found WSI, this is truly a customer first company.
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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: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/
Effective Employee Screening
Effective employee screening is the foundation of a successful hiring process. It involves evaluating candidates’ qualifications, skills, and suitability for the job while ensuring they do not pose any safety or security risks. By implementing a robust screening process, employers can:
- Mitigate risks associated with hiring unsuitable candidates.
- Enhance workplace safety and productivity.
- Maintain compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Employee Drug Testing
Employee drug testing is a crucial component of the screening process. It helps identify individuals who may be using illegal substances or abusing prescription medications, ensuring a safe and productive work environment. Various drug tests are available, including:
- Urine Drug Testing
- Oral Fluid Drug Testing
- Hair Follicle Drug Testing
Regulated Drug Test vs. Non Regulated Drug Test
Understanding the difference between regulated drug test and non regulated drug tests is essential for employers.
Regulated Drug Test
A regulated drug test is mandatory for employees in safety-sensitive positions, such as those in transportation or aviation industries. Regulated drug tests must comply with federal regulations and are overseen by agencies like the FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, PHMSA, and the US Coast Guard. Regulated Drug Test must be performed on a regulated drug test form or it may not count towards your compliance.
Non Regulated Drug Test
A non regulated drug test, on the other hand, is conducted for employees in non-safety-sensitive positions. Employers can choose the type of test and the substances to be screened, offering more flexibility. Non regulated drug test should be completed on non regulated drug test form or you may face fines and penalties.
DOT Drug Test
DOT drug tests are specifically designed for employees in safety-sensitive positions regulated by the DOT. DOT Drug tests detect substances such as marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, and PCP. A DOT drug test typically involves the following:
- Pre-Employment Testing: Conducted before hiring to ensure candidates are drug-free.
- Random Testing: Employees are randomly selected for testing throughout the year.
- Post-Accident Testing: Administered after an accident to determine if drugs were a contributing factor.
- Return-to-Duty Testing: Required for employees returning to work after a drug violation.
- Follow-Up Testing: Conducted periodically for employees who have returned to duty after a drug violation.
- Reasonable Suspicion Testing: Conducted post reasonable suspicion that employee maybe impaired by drug and/olcohol.
What is a Non DOT Drug Test?
A non DOT drug test is used for employees not regulated by the DOT. Employers can customize non dot tests to screen for various substances, including:
- 5 Panel Drug Test: Screens for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and PCP.
- 10 Panel Drug Test: Includes the substances in the 5-panel test plus additional drugs like barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methadone, propoxyphene, and quaaludes (What are quaaludes? They are a sedative-hypnotic drug that was popular in the 1960s and 1970s but is now banned due to its high potential for abuse).
Drug Screening Near Me
If you are looking for a reliable drug screening location near your workplace or home, you have come to the right place. We offer 20,000 plus electronically enabled collection sites near your workplace or home. That means you can order a drug screen today, complete it today or by your deadline.
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: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/
Drug Screening Locations Near Me
Need a list of Drug Screening Locations near me? Visit our handy drug screen collection site locator: Locations
Medical Review Officer
A Medical Review Officer (MRO) plays a critical role in the drug testing process. A Medical Review Officer is a licensed physician who reviews laboratory results and evaluates any medical explanations for positive results. This ensures the accuracy and reliability of drug test outcomes. The Medical Review Office also manages the NON-Contact Positive and Safety Sensitive Letter process.
FMCSA Clearinghouse
Simplifying FMCSA Clearinghouse Compliance with CTPA Services
The FMCSA Clearinghouse is an essential online database created by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It tracks drug and alcohol violations by commercial drivers to ensure safety in the transportation industry. Employers must report any violations, including failed tests, to this system. This helps keep drivers who violate regulations out of safety-sensitive positions until they complete a return-to-duty process.
Steps to Comply with the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Mandate
- Register in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- Update your DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing policy with an FMCSA Clearinghouse addendum.
- Educate supervisors and employees about the FMCSA Clearinghouse’s rights and responsibilities.
- Conduct pre-employment queries for each new hire in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- Perform annual queries on all drivers in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- Report all positive alcohol tests to the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- Document and report collection site refusals in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- Report all known drug and alcohol use in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- Report return-to-duty tests in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- Report completion of follow-up testing programs in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- Medical Review Officers (MROs) must report all positive drug screens in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
Why Use a CTPA?
Compliance can be complex and time-consuming. Employers can appoint a Consortium/Third-Party Administrator (CTPA), like Workplace Screening Intelligence (WSI), to handle some or all of these duties. WSI’s FMCSA Clearinghouse Program can simplify the compliance process, ensuring that all requirements are met efficiently.
Benefits of Using WSI’s FMCSA Clearinghouse Program
- Help with Registration: We assist in registering your DOT number(s) in the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.
- Reporting Violations: We handle the reporting of drug and alcohol offenses.
- Documentation: We provide the forms for documentation forms and assist with documentation.
- Annual Queries: We perform required annual queries on all of your CDL drivers.
- Employee Education: We provide required information to employees about the new process and guide them on how to complete the driver petition process.
- Policy Updates: We help add the required addendum to your DOT Drug and Alcohol policy.
- Documentation: We properly document drug and alcohol testing refusals and “Return-to-Duty” (RTD) tests.
- Clearinghouse Education: We provide Clearinghouse education and information materials for newly hired and current employees.
- Discounted Rates: We offer discounted rates for queries.
Steps to be Compliant with FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse:
- Register in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- Update your DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing policy with an FMCSA Clearinghouse addendum.
- Educate supervisors and employees about the FMCSA Clearinghouse’s rights and responsibilities.
- Conduct pre-employment queries for each new hire in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
- Perform annual queries on all drivers in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- Report all positive alcohol tests to the Clearinghouse FMCSA.
- Document and report collection site refusals in the Clearinghouse FMCSA.
- Report all known drug and alcohol use in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- Report return-to-duty tests in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- Report completion of follow-up testing programs in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- Medical Review Officers (MROs) must report all positive drug screens in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
Contact Us
For more information about WSI’s FMCSA Clearinghouse Program, contact our support staff at 844-573-8378 or [email protected]. You can also learn more by visiting our website here.
Simplify your compliance process with expert help from Workplace Screening Intelligence!
Physicals
Physical exams are an essential part of the employee screening process. They help determine if candidates are physically capable of performing their job duties safely and effectively.
DOT Physicals
DOT physicals are mandatory for employees in safety-sensitive positions regulated by the DOT. These DOT Physical exams assess vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall health to ensure employees can perform their job duties safely.
DOT Physicals must be repeated every 24 months. For those with unaddressed health concerns, may have to repeat physicals every 90-365 day or until condition is addressed.
Non DOT Physicals
Non DOT physicals are conducted for employees in non-safety-sensitive positions. Employers can customize these exams based on job requirements, ensuring candidates meet the necessary health and fitness standards. The following are example of non DOT Physicals: Lift Tests, Audiograms, OSHA Respirator Questionnaires, Pulmonary Function Tests, Respirator Fit Tests, Vision Tests, Ishihara Tests, Chest X-Rays, and more.
Random Testing
Random drug and alcohol testing is an effective way to deter substance abuse and maintain a drug-free workplace. Various industry-specific random testing consortia are available, including:
DOT Consortiums:
- FAA Random Testing Consortium
- FMCSA Random Testing Consortium
- FRA Random Testing Consortium
- FTA Random Testing Consortium
- PHMSA Random Testing Consortium
- US Coast Guard Random Testing Consortium
- FMCSA Owner Operator Random Testing Consortium
NON DOT Consortiums
- CAPUC Random Testing Consortium
- Ohio BWC 5% Random Testing Consortium
- Ohio BWC 5% Random Testing Consortium
- NON DOT Random Testing Consortium
Background Screening
Background checks are a vital component of the employee screening process. They help verify candidates’ credentials, work history, and criminal records, ensuring they are suitable for the job. Services like HireRight offer comprehensive background screening solutions, including:
- MVR (Motor Vehicle Report): Checks driving records for traffic violations and accidents.
- Criminal Background Check: Identifies any criminal history that may pose a risk to the workplace.
- Employment Verification: Confirms candidates’ previous job positions and tenure.
Not-So-Frequently Asked Questions
What is Non-DOT?
Non-DOT refers to employees and testing procedures that are not regulated by the Department of Transportation. Non-DOT tests can be customized by employers to suit their specific needs.
What Happens if I Fail a DOT Drug Test?
Failing a DOT drug test can have serious consequences, including removal from safety-sensitive duties and mandatory participation in a return-to-duty process. Employers must follow the DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing policy and involve a Medical Review Officer (MRO) to review the case.
What Happens if I Fail a DOT Physical?
Failing a DOT physical means the employee cannot perform safety-sensitive functions until they meet the required health standards. The employee may need to address specific health issues and undergo a follow-up DOT Physical examination.
Why is Marijuana Rescheduling Stalled?
Marijuana rescheduling is a complex issue involving federal and state regulations, public opinion, and medical research. Despite increasing legalization at the state level, marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, making rescheduling efforts challenging. Many organizations including National Transportation Safety Board and National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association believed there was an issue with the process and science which was being utilized. The DEA has scheduled an administrative hearing that will start by December 2, 2024. It is highly unlikely that any rescheduling efforts will happen by then.
Let Our 30 Years of Experience and Technology Be Your Peace of Mind
At Workplace Screening Intelligence, we leverage our 30 years of experience and advanced technology to streamline your employee screening process. Our electronic ordering and tracking system ensures you know where your employees or applicants are in the process, from when they show up at the screening site to when the specimen is at the lab and in the MRO process. This transparency removes any doubt about whether the employee can be hired in time.
Compliance with federal and state rules and regulations can be challenging, but our expertise allows you to focus on your business while we take care of compliance. Our Supervisor Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training, mandated by the DOT, is a best practice for all non-DOT employers as it helps maintain a drug-free workplace and prevent costly accidents. This training should be completed at hire for supervisors and reviewed annually.
By partnering with Workplace Screening Intelligence, you can ensure a safe, compliant, and efficient hiring process, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on what matters most – growing your business.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive screening solutions and how we can support your organization’s success.
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: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/