Transportation companies care a lot about making sure their workers and customers are safe. One important part of this job is following the rules for drug tests set by the Department of Transportation (DOT). DOT drug testing programs are not only the law, but they are also very important for keeping the workplace safe and running smoothly.
What is DOT Follow-Up Testing?
DOT follow-up testing is an organized program that keeps an eye on workers who have been monitoring for drug or alcohol use, breaking DOT rules, or not following their return-to-duty requirements. Consequent tests are done to make sure that workers stay drug- and alcohol-free and to keep transportation operations safe.
How to Make Sure Your Workplace Is Safe and Follows the Rules?
If you are a boss who has to do a DOT drug testing program for your workers, you need to know what you need to do to keep your workplace safe and in line with the law. There are a few things you can do to make sure you are following the rules:
- Process for Drug and Alcohol Testing in the company – Possess a document outlining the processes for drug and alcohol testing in your company. This policy should say who can be tested, what drugs can be tested for when tests will happen, and what will happen if a test comes back positive
- Train Your Staff – You should teach your staff about your strategy on drug and alcohol tests, as well as the risks of using drugs and alcohol in roles that are important for safety. This training should talk about what will happen if an employee tests positive for drugs and give them information on where they can get help if they need it
- Approved Testing Facilities – If you want to test someone for drugs or booze, you should only do so at approved testing facilities. To make sure that the testing process is accurate and reliable, these centers have to follow certain steps
- Random Testing – Drug and drink tests must be done at random throughout the year, as required by the DOT. This helps to find workers who may have a problem with drug or alcohol abuse and discourages them from using drugs or alcohol at work
Why DOT Drug Tests Are Important?
Industries valuing safety highly rely on DOT drug testing programs. Commercial truck drivers, airline pilots, and other employees whose jobs depend on their sober operation are required to undergo random drug testing on a regular basis. As a result, transportation services are more dependable and secure in general.
Conclusion
Transportation companies need to know how to do DOT drug testing programs in order to stay safe and follow the law. Companies can protect the public and make the workplace safer by fully knowing and following the DOT’s rules on drug tests. A drug testing program that works and follows the rules needs to be educated, trained, and reviewed on a regular basis.