The Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates testing for employees of various transportation companies including air, rail, truck, and bus operators to ensure the safety of all travelers. These tests are designed to detect the use of drugs and alcohol, which can impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. The DOT drug test is one of the most important requirements, and it covers a range of substances. This blog post will explain the basics of DOT-mandated testing, including why it is important for employers and employees, what it involves, and how to comply with the rules.
1) What is a DOT drug test?
A DOT drug test is a drug screen mandated by the DOT. The test checks for five different classes of drugs, which are cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, phencyclidine (PCP), and marijuana. The DOT drug test is typically done through a urine sample, which is reviewed by a medical review officer (MRO). If the test comes back positive, the MRO will contact the employee to determine if there is a legitimate medical explanation for the result. The employer will only learn of a positive with a legal prescription when there is a safety concern. The MRO can help you alleviate the risk in this risky situation.
2) Why is DOT drug testing important?
Drug use among transportation employees can lead to safety concerns for both the employee and the general public. The goal of DOT drug testing is to keep the transportation industry safe by minimizing the risk of accidents caused by drug use. DOT drug testing is vital for ensuring that transportation companies are in compliance with federal regulations.
3) How to comply with DOT drug testing requirements?
To comply with DOT drug testing requirements, employers must enroll in a DOT consortium or have a standalone pool that they or a TPA manages. The consortium is responsible for maintaining a list of eligible testing sites and laboratories and ensuring compliance with DOT drug testing rules. As an employer, you must enroll your employees in a DOT consortium and implement a drug and alcohol testing program that meets DOT regulations. All employees must complete a DOT physical before starting work.
4) FMCSA Clearinghouse – An Overview
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Clearinghouse is a database that maintains driver drug and alcohol testing results and information related to drug and alcohol program violations. The Clearinghouse FMCSA is designed to help identify drivers who have been found to violate drug and alcohol testing regulations. Employers and medical review officers must report any drug and alcohol-related violations or test results that come back positive or refusals to the Clearinghouse. The employer can designate a TPA like Workplace Screening Intelligence to report and query on their behalf.
5) Order a Drug Test Today
As an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure that all employees comply with DOT drug testing requirements. One way to ensure compliance is by ordering a drug test yourself. Many testing sites and laboratories offer online appointment scheduling and testing programs that can help simplify the testing process. When selecting a testing site or laboratory, make sure they are DOT-approved and have experience testing transportation employees.
In conclusion, DOT-mandated testing is an essential requirement for all transportation companies and their employees. The DOT drug test, which checks for five different classes of drugs, is one of the most important and commonly administered tests. It is important to comply with DOT regulations to ensure the safety of all travelers. Employers must enroll their employees in a DOT consortium and implement a drug and alcohol testing program to comply with DOT drug testing regulations. The FMCSA Clearinghouse is a database used to maintain driver drug and alcohol testing results and information related to drug and alcohol program violations. Finally, by ordering a drug test yourself, you can ensure that your employees are in compliance with DOT drug testing requirements and keeping the transportation industry safe. If you need to join a consortium, need help with employee screening or wish to order a drug test today, please contact our Support Team at 844-573-8378 or Support@workplacescreening.com