Everything Employers Need to Know About Non DOT Testing
As an employer, you are responsible for maintaining a safe and drug-free workplace. One way to ensure that your employees are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on the job is through drug testing. While most companies are familiar with DOT drug testing regulations, non DOT testing is also essential for maintaining a safe work environment. Non DOT testing refers to drug testing protocols that do not fall under the Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines. In this blog post, we will explore everything employers need to know about non DOT testing, including what it is, the different types of tests, and how to implement them effectively.
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DOT vs. Non DOT Drug Testing
DOT drug testing regulations apply to employees working in safety-sensitive positions within the transportation industry. These regulations mandate that employers screen employees for drugs and alcohol during the pre-employment process, random testing, post-accident testing, and reasonable suspicion testing. The DOT drug test protocol includes testing for five specific substances- marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and phencyclidine (PCP). On the other hand, non DOT drug testing can be used in any industry and is not regulated by the DOT. Most non DOT testing protocols include a 5 panel screening that looks for the same five substances as the DOT test but can test for additional substances depending on the employer’s preference.
Types of Non DOT Tests
There are two types of non DOT drug tests- a 5-panel test and a 10-panel test. A 5-panel test is the standard non DOT drug test that screens for five substances, similar to the DOT test. A 10-panel test, on the other hand, tests for ten substances, including additional prescription drugs such as barbiturates, benzodizipines, methadone, methaqualone, and propoxyphene. Employers can choose to customize their testing protocols depending on their industry, state regulations, and their company’s drug-free policies. There are many other drugs that can be tested as well. For example an employer may find an issue with synthetic marijuana or a problem with employees diverting or abusing ketamine, tramadol or meperidine. Workplace Screening Intelligence can create a panel that meets the need of your screening program.
Non DOT Physicals
Apart from drug testing, non DOT physicals are also an essential component of maintaining a safe workplace. A non DOT physical examination assesses an employee’s physical and mental fitness to perform the job duties safely. It relies on medical history, physical examination, and laboratory testing to determine the employee’s health status. Non DOT physicals are typically not as extensive as DOT physicals and do not follow specific guidelines enforced by the Department of Transportation. Workplace Screening Intelligence has a site near your employee’s home or workplace for you physical testing needs. Call our support team today at 844-573-8378 (TEST) or support@workplacescreening.com
Drug and Alcohol Supervisor Training
Supervisors play a vital role in maintaining a drug-free workplace. Employers should provide supervisors with adequate training to recognize the signs of drug and alcohol abuse, understand their role in conducting reasonable suspicion testing, and maintain communication with employees about drug testing policies. The training should also include how to handle the documentation and paperwork of testing protocols to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. Supervisor training to recognize the signs of drug and alcohol abuse can save the company money in accidents that are prevented as well as being sued for not providing a safer workplace.
Non DOT testing is an essential component of maintaining a safe and drug-free workplace. Employers should understand the difference between DOT and non DOT drug testing and the different types of non DOT tests available. Customizing drug testing protocols including non DOT physicals, depending on their industry, state regulations, and company policies is also crucial. Proper training for supervisors and effective communication of drug testing policies can go a long way in creating a drug-free workplace. Remember that drug testing protocols should abide by state and federal regulations to avoid legal complications. Prioritizing drug testing protocols and making them an integral part of your company culture is an essential element in providing a safe and secure work environment for your employees.
If you need assistance with your employee screening program, contact Workplace Screening Intelligence at 844-573-8378 (TEST) or support@workplacescreening.com or press on link to order a service now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/
Workplace Screening Intelligence provides the following services:
DOT and NON DOT Drug Screens at over 20,000 locations near your workplace or employee’s home
DOT and NON DOT Physicals
FMCSA Clearinghouse Membership and Support
Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy Creation and Support
Supervisor Training for recognizing signs of drug and alcohol abuse
Titer testing
Wellness testing
And much more