Employer Screening: A Comprehensive Guide to Drug Testing in the Workplace
As an employer, your employees are the foundation of your business. They are the ones responsible for the success of your organization. However, it’s important to make sure your employees are accountable for their actions both inside and outside the workplace. One way to ensure this is to implement drug and alcohol testing programs as part of your employment screening process. In this blog post, we’ll discuss employer screening and the various types of drug tests available, like non-dot drug tests, 5-panel drug tests, 10-panel drug tests, and more. We’ll also discuss DOT drug tests and FMCSA Clearinghouse requirements, and how to implement drug and alcohol testing policies for your business that helps maintain safety and workplace productivity.
Need to order a drug screen or need assistance improving with your employee screening program? Contact our knowledgeable Support Staff at 844-573-8378 or support@workplacescreening.com or press on link now to order a service now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/
Types of Drug Tests
There are many types of drug tests available for employers to screen job applicants and current employees. Two of the most common drug tests are regulated / non-regulated drug screens and DOT drug tests. Non-regulated drug screens typically test for the five or ten of most commonly abused drugs- marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, phencyclidine, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methadone, methaqualone(quaaludes) and propoxyphene. On the other hand, regulated drug screens are subject to specific federal requirements and typically encompass a 5-panel drug test that tests for all the drugs tested marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, phencyclidine. The DOT-5 panel also includes expanded opiates, 6-AM (heroin) and MDMA (Ecstasy)
Regulated drug tests are requirements for safety-sensitive positions in aviation, trucking, busing, and other transportation industries under the DOT. It’s important to note that DOT testing protocols are different from non-regulated drug screens, and regulated requirements must be met. As an employer, it’s essential to determine which type of drug test you’d require for your employees. Non-regulated drug screens are more commonly used for employees who are not regulated by DOT. DOT drug tests are mandatory for safety-sensitive roles and required for employees covered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)’s and other DOT Modes established programs.
Supervisor Training
To ensure your employees’ safety and compliance, supervisors should undergo adequate training or refresher courses to gain a proper understanding of drug and alcohol testing standards. Supervisor training for drug and alcohol awareness program is essential for recognizing signs of drug and alcohol abuse, conducting reasonable suspicion testing, and the importance of maintaining confidentiality. A supervisor training program ensures that a strong drug and alcohol testing program is in place and that safety standards are met, offering better protection to both the employee and the employer. DOT Mandates 2 hour of training and FAA requires refresher training. It is a best practice for NON DOT as it is the way to remove and/or rehabilitate the most costliest and unproductive employees.
Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy
A drug-free workplace policy should be implemented and conveyed to employees with clarity and consistency. The drug and alcohol testing policy must be handed to or have available at request and every employee must sign that they have received, read and understood the drug and alcohol testing standards protocol. The policy should outline how an individual will be tested and in which situations testing would be mandatory, including for reasonable suspicion, post-accidents, pre-employment, and random testing. By establishing consistency, employers create a system that offers protection to both the employer and employees. The drug and alcohol testing policy will spell out clearly the rights and responsibilities of all involved in employer testing.
FMCSA Clearinghouse
As of January 2020, the FMCSA established the Clearinghouse – a database for drivers with FMCSA violations reporting information on whether they failed or refused a DOT drug or alcohol test. The Clearinghouse acts as an essential resource for employers, allowing them to check the drivers’ drug and alcohol violation history before hiring or allowing them back to a job that requires DOT testing. Employers have until January 6, 2023, to determine whether current employees have violations in the Clearinghouse or fire them. Employers must register with the Clearinghouse to access this information. Every employer must provide employee and supervisor training as well as perform a pre-employment query and annual query.
DOT Clearinghouse
Do other DOT Modes report to the Clearinghouse? No only FMCSA employers are required to report to Clearinghouse FMCSA. The other modes don’t currently have a Clearinghouse.
Conducting employer screening, specifically drug and alcohol testing, is an essential investment in employee safety and work environment productivity. Employers must consider initiating programs, policies, and training programs to promote better workplace safety and a drug-free environment that benefits your employees and business. By selecting the best drug test to meet company requirements, employers can secure their employees’ safety, deliver a better work environment, and ensure the business’s continued success.
Need to order a drug screen or need assistance improving with your employee screening program? Contact our knowledgeable Support Staff at 844-573-8378 or support@workplacescreening.com or press on link now to order a service now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/