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Showing posts from January, 2023

The differences between DOT and non-DOT drug testing: what employers need to know?

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Drug testing is a common practice used by employers to ensure a safe and productive workforce. However, not all drug testing is the same. There are two main types of drug testing: DOT (Department of Transportation) and non-DOT. It is important for employers to understand the differences between the two types of testing and the regulations that apply to them. DOT drug testing is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and applies to employees in safety-sensitive positions in the transportation industry. This includes truck drivers, bus drivers, pilots, and other transportation workers. DOT drug testing is more rigorous and has stricter consequences for positive test results than non-DOT drug testing. One of the main differences between DOT and non-DOT drug testing is the types of drugs that are tested for. DOT testing includes testing for five main categories of drugs: marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP). Non-DOT testing, o

About DOT Urine Test Facts You Need to Know

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With every passing day, there is a rapid increase in people traveling from one point to another. There is a huge responsibility to drive safely so that the rate of accidents can be lower. People driving large vehicles are at higher risk to be the reason of accidents so they must be assessed for their medical impairment and to confirm that they are not under the influence of drugs to avoid a dangerous outcome. What is DOT Drug Test ? Transportation companies and truck drivers performing safety-sensitive work have to go through drug testing program under the law implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOT). When DOT Drug Test is performed? Employees working in sensitive workplaces should be drug tested under following scenarios: Pre-employment Reasonable Suspicion Random Drug Testing Post-accident Return-to-duty Process Follow-up Drug Testing What is DOT Urine Test? It is a painless, convenient, and rapid urine analysis to determine the presence of ill

RTD process: How much time is required to resume driving after a failed drug test?

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If a truck driver is tested positive or refused the drug and alcohol test, a complete RTD process is observed to get back the driver to the safety-sensitive work. RTD stands for? RTD stands for Return-to-Duty process which includes a complete procedure to get back to the road after a violation of drug. When should a driver start Return-to-duty process? 1.      After violation of drug and alcohol rules 2.      Refusing the test (for whatever reason behind) 3.      Positive alcohol and drug test What is SAP? According to FMSCA, “ The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.” What is DOT SAP process? SAP is a qualified mental health service professional who designs a series of processes that must be followed to be eligible for continuing work after violation of drugs. Following are the st

Random Testing Consortium: A need for Transportation Companies/ Truck Drivers

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Random Testing Consortium is the random selection of truck drivers/employees from different transportation companies and making one large group of them called a random testing pool . There are equal chances for the selection of random drug and alcohol testing for each employee present in the random testing pool. Why drug abuse is common among truck drivers?  The prolonged duty periods of truck drivers and hectic duty requiring them to be awake for several hours driving contribute to excessive usage of drugs more than any other company employee. According to the latest survey conducted by   American Addiction Centers truck drivers showed a high frequency of drug abuse. About 30 percent of truck drivers are reported as drug abusers. Among American-based truckers, the most frequently used drug is alcohol. Another study performed by the Department of Labor shows 65% percent of road accidents are related to drug abuse. Is Random Drug testing random for real?  As the name indicat

The impact of COVID-19 on the RTD process

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The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly every aspect of our lives, including the way we work and the process of returning to work after an extended absence. The RTD (return to duty process) , which is typically a smooth and well-organized process, has been disrupted by the pandemic and its aftermath. One major impact of COVID-19 on the RTD process is the increased need for accommodations. Many employees returning to work after an extended absence may have contracted the virus or have been in close contact with someone who has, and as a result, may require accommodations such as remote work or flexible schedules. Employers are now faced with the challenge of accommodating these requests while also ensuring that the needs of the business are met. Another impact of COVID-19 on the RTD process is the increased focus on mental health. The pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of many individuals, and returning to work after an extended absence can be a daunting task for some.

Navigating the Consortium Sign-up Process: A Step-by-Step

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Joining a consortium can be a great way for businesses to collaborate, share resources, and drive innovation. However, the process of signing up for a consortium can be confusing and overwhelming. In this blog post, we will guide you through the consortium sign-up process step-by-step, so you can feel confident and prepared when it comes time to apply. Step 1: Research and Identify the Right Consortium The first step in the process is to research and identify the right consortium for your business. There are many different types of consortiums out there, each with their own specific focus and membership requirements. Some common types of consortiums include industry-specific groups, research and development groups, and purchasing groups. When researching consortiums, it's important to consider your business goals and the specific benefits that you are looking to gain from consortium membership. For example, if you're a small business looking to expand your reach and coll