The Ultimate Guide to Manufacturing Employment Testing – Physical, Drug Tests, and More!
Recruiting the right talent is undoubtedly a significant challenge for the manufacturing industry, where precision, accuracy, and safety are of the utmost importance. The slightest mistake on the factory floor can result in massive losses, which is why employers can’t afford to settle for anything less than the best. However, selecting the right candidate for your manufacturing facility is easier said than done. It requires a thorough evaluation of the individual’s skills, experience, and aptitude. But, beyond all of that, employers must also ensure that an employee is fit to work and free of any substances that may affect their performance or create a safety risk. This is where employment testing comes in, and in this guide, we’ll delve into the specifics of Manufacturing Employment Testing, including various types of drug tests and DOT Physicals.
What is a DOT Physical? The Department of Transportation Physical or DOT Physical is a medical examination that assesses an individual’s medical capability to operate a commercial vehicle, such as a truck or a bus. The DOT Physical is only for the mandated positions like Truck Drivers, Rail Worker and pipeline employees. The DOT-physical follows a set of regulatory guidelines set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The examination covers a wide range of aspects of the individual’s physical and mental health, including blood pressure, vision, hearing, and any underlying medical conditions. The purpose of this exam is to ensure that the commercial driver is healthy and free from any conditions that may impair their ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely.
Non-DOT Physicals
Non-DOT Physicals, on the other hand, are not federally regulated, and their scope varies significantly depending on the employer. Employers may use non-DOT physicals to ensure that their workforce can safely complete specific kinds of tasks, such as operating heavy machinery, working in confined spaces, or in extreme environments. Although the non-DOT physicals do not follow any specific regulatory guidelines, it is still significant to follow best practices to ensure that results are valid. Therefore, it is essential to find a reputable health service provider when looking to administer a non-DOT physical since they will have the knowledge to tailor the test for employer needs.
FMCSA Clearinghouse
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse is a national database that employers can use to verify their commercial driver’s drug and alcohol records. FMCSA Clearinghouse remains crucial, as it enables employers to filter out the drivers with any drug or alcohol violations from their hiring process and ensure that they follow FMCSA regulations for drivers’ safety. It should be noted that the FMCSA Clearinghouse does not replace pre-employment drug testing, but it rather works in in conjunction with it to provide more comprehensive screening. You only report employees mandated under the FMCSA to the Clearinghouse.
5 Panel Drug Test
The 5-panel drug test is one of the most common types of drug testing used in the manufacturing industry. The test covers five classes of drugs, which include cocaine, marijuana, amphetamines, opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP). The five-panel drug test is relatively quick, easy, and efficient to administer and is commonly used in pre-employment drug screenings, random drug testing, and post-accident testing.
What is a 10 Panel Drug Test?
The 10-panel drug test is a more comprehensive version of drug testing that goes beyond the five-panel to include additional classes of drugs, including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, propoxyphene, methaqualone and methadone. The 10-panel provides a more in-depth overview of the individual’s drug use and is often administered to candidates for higher-level positions within the manufacturing company. It should be noted that the more comprehensive the test, the more expensive it will be.
Hair Follicle Drug Testing
Hair follicle drug testing uses a small hair sample to detect drug use over an extended period, usually 90 days. The process consists of hair follicles being removed from the donor’s scalp and processed in a laboratory to identify any drug substances. Hair follicle testing is considerably more expensive than the traditional urine-based testing method; however, it is often better at detecting drug use due to its longer detection window.
Oral Fluid Drug Testing
Oral fluid drug testing, also known as saliva-based drug testing, involves collecting a sample of saliva from an individual to detect drug use. The process is non-invasive and offers a shorter detection window than hair follicle testing. However, oral fluid drug testing is establishing itself as a viable alternative for pre-employment drug testing, as its non-invasive nature and observed collection, makes it an attractive option.
Employment testing is a critical aspect of recruiting the right candidates for your manufacturing facility, as there’s no room for error on the factory floor. Physicals and Drug Testing are essential steps to ensure that your employees are fit to work and free of any substances that may impair their abilities. As an employer in the manufacturing industry, understanding the significance of these tests is crucial to creating a safe and productive workplace. If you need assistance with your drug free workplace program or need to order a drug test or physical today, contact our Support Team at 844-573-8378 or Support@workplacescreening.com