This facility conducts government-regulated drug tests for the Department of Transportation.
To ensure that the transportation industry is drug-free, Congress passed the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act in 1991. A safety-sensitive employee must be tested for drugs and alcohol by DOT agencies to ensure the safety of both the employee and the traveling public. You can find out more at ntatesting.com.
According to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 49 describes the procedures for administering a drug or alcohol test. The Department of Transportation’s Drug & Alcohol Policy & Compliance Office has a copy of these rules.
Regulations stipulate that the U.S. The Government and its Department of Transportation stipulate which personnel must undergo testing and at what times. Regulations in those industries are implemented by companies.
Is it mandatory for all DOT employees to undergo drug tests?
A number of employees may be subjected to drug testing under DOT regulations, including those who are considered “safety-sensitive”. In a safety-sensitive job, employees’ safety and the safety of others are at risk.
The Department of Transportation has the following safety-sensitive positions:
- FMSCA:Vehicles that transport hazardous materials or carry 16 or more passengers are required to display DOT placards if they are operated by commercial drivers (CMV).
- USCG:Seamen working on commercial vessels.
- Those who oversee hazardous materials transportation safety :operators, maintenance workers, and emergency responders.
- FRA:Train and locomotive operators, signal operators, and train dispatchers who are covered by the Hours of Service Act.
- FTA:Controllers, mechanics, and armed guards as well as a Director of Transportation.
How often should employees who are safety-sensitive undergo DOT drug testing?
A DOT drug test is required when the following conditions apply:
Reasonable suspicion: Being impaired if more than one trained supervisor thinks so. A decision should be made based on a range of factors, including appearance, behavior, speech, and smell, among others.
A random test. Whenever employees are randomly selected for testing, they should all have the same opportunity to be selected. Quarterly tests are administered at random.
Testing upon returning to work, after a violation of the company’s drug and alcohol policies. DOT employees may be required to take at least six unannounced tests in the first 12 months before returning to their jobs. Direct observation is conducted during the tests.
Will I be fired from the DOT if I fail the drug test?
The Department of Transportation (DOT) will automatically terminate employees who fail to pass DOT-regulated drug tests.
The loss of your license or certification is not the only penalty you may face. It may be necessary for you to terminate your employment depending on the policies or employment agreements of your employer.
By ensuring compliance with DOT regulations, we provide workforce management services for your company. We offer regulated drug testing services through Concentra and can be contacted if you would like more information. In our clinics, we constantly conduct DOT physicals by certified medical examiners.