Regardless of the current pandemic, the Department of Transportation (DOT) still holds employers responsible for the road, cargo, and passenger safety. DOT still issues guidelines to ensure that all employers conduct a DOT drug test on their employees despite the recent disruptions in various services. Employers must comply with this measure regardless of the present conditions for the sake of compliance and preservation of the institution’s image and reputation. Different types of tests are conducted for this purpose like marquis reagent test.
What is the DOT drug test?
The DOT drug test is a drug test regulated by the department of transportation and other DOT agencies. The test identifies alcohol or any drugs in the bloodstream of the employees. The test seeks to reveal the presence of the following drugs:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Amphetamine
- Opioids and other energy-boosting or stimulant drugs
Subjects of DOT drug test
DOT has clear guidelines and procedures on who is supposed to undergo the drug test. These tests and methods aim to fulfill DOT’s commitment to “employ operators who are 100 percent drug- and alcohol-free.” The test is to be conducted based on job duties and not the title. Therefore the following operators should undergo DOT tests:
- Bus and truck drivers
- Those working in pipelines
- Train, bus, or ferry operators
- Pilots
- Cab drivers
- Airplane engineers.
When to conduct DOT drug Tests
1. Pre-Employment
There are no specific durations to conduct the test; however, employers should consider performing the tests at particular durations, such as pre-employment durations. Before interviews, DOT drug tests can help the company or institution get drug-free and worthy employees.
2. Reasonable suspicion
This is when you suspect, or other employees report about the actions of a worker. Sometimes an employee may violate workplace policies because they are under drug influence; hence employers should consider conducting tests to confirm the suspicion.
3. Post-Accident
Testing after an accident can establish the possible reasons for the accidents. Such tests can help guarantee future safety if drugs are one of the factors resulting in the accident. Employers should always conduct the test whether the probable cause of the accident is known or not. Negative post-accident drug tests also help to maintain the company’s reputation.
4. Random and Parodic
To comply with the DOT measures, institutions should conduct periodic tests on their employees. The challenge with period tests is that employees can quit using drugs a month before the test then resumes after the test. Such behaviors call for random drug tests to help enforce a drug-free policy in the company.
5. Return to Duty
Sometimes employees treat holidays and vacations as a time for freedom to do anything, including taking drugs. They may return to work either addicted or still suffering from the drugs’ effects, affecting their performance and road safety. Employers should conduct DOT tests when employees return from holiday to ensure they are worthy of resuming their duties.
Why is DOT Drug testing necessary?
1. Business and company protection
There are various safety regulations imposed by federal or state governments that require employers to conduct a periodic drug tests on employed drivers. Incase post-accident investigations reveal that the driver was under the influence of any drug. The company can be held accountable for such negligence and fined hence tarnishing the business image. Employers should conduct frequent tests to maintain the business’s ethical image by avoiding drug abuse lawsuits that can damage their reputation.
2. Compliance with federal regulations and state laws
Besides the liabilities, employers face hefty fines, injunction, and business closure should federal and state investigations reveal the driver was under drugs at the time of the accidents. Employers should be aware of such challenges by ensuring compliance with federal and state DOT drug measures.
3. Public safety
The employer’s role is to ensure the business does not affect any citizens; neither does it damage any public or private property. Employers can guarantee third-party safety by ensuring that all the employees engaged in transportation pass DOT drug tests and are always sane when working.
4. Hire better employees
The DOT drug test helps the company to identify potential employees compliant with the DOT drug safety protocols and those committed to no drug abuse policies. Doing the test before hiring guarantees future road safety, and the company can trust its drivers to maintain its reputation.
5. Identify employees with drug problems.
The test is essential in helping reveal any intoxicated employee who can become a liability to the business. Employers need to conduct these tests frequently to protect the employee and the company since they must compensate their employees for any disability arising from injuries while working. To avoid such expenses, the company should care for its employees and identify these drivers not worthy of driving trucks or buses. This will also help sort out the good drivers from the bad ones and rely on the good ones to perform sensitive operations while the bad ones undergo rehabilitation.
Final Thoughts
DOT holds every employer accountable for any accident and damages arising from such accidents; therefore, employers should consider the business reputation and avoid any costs related to the damages. The best way to maintain the business reputation and public safety is to ensure DOT test compliance. Compliance with the test regulations ensures the business thrives and is continuously associated with positivity, such as hiring good drivers and operators.
