About Anne Matea

Digital content marketer, writer and consultant

FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Regulation

The FMCSA requires employers of commercial truck and bus drivers to register for the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. The deadline for registration was January 5, 2021. Non-compliance could lead to criminal and civil lawsuits of up to $5833 for every offense. The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse regulation went into effect on January 6, [...]

By |June 30th, 2021|DOT Compliance, FMCSA Clearinghouse|Comments Off on FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Regulation

Secondhand Marijuana Smoke Causes a Positive Drug Test?

Secondhand marijuana smoke harbors numerous health risks to exposed non-pot smokers. With the legalization of marijuana in many states, it is becoming an increased cause of concern. Many people wonder whether secondhand marijuana smoke can cause a positive drug test. Effects of Marijuana Smoke on Drug Test Many concerns have been raised about the effect [...]

Opiate Testing and Safety Concerns for Employers

The opioid epidemic presents serious challenges for employers. And most employers don't test for many commonly abused opioids. In 2018, the federal government added what is called "expanded opiates" to the DOT drug test panel. The expanded panel now includes many commonly prescribed pain killers and the result has been an increase in safety concern [...]

Top 8 Commonly Abused Non-Prescription Drugs

Non-prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, although helpful and convenient, come with an array of drawbacks and risks, such as the risk of addiction and abuse. When used long-term and in higher doses, many of these drugs can be deadly. Because of their accessibility and affordability (compared to prescription medication), OTC medication is frequently used for a [...]

By |February 19th, 2021|Drugs|0 Comments

COVID Testing: Fit-to-Fly – All the details

Pre-travel COVID testing is a way to avoid quarantine. You may even need a negative test to board a plane. Many US states and foreign countries have updated their travel rules and regulations. While some destinations may not have any specific travel guidelines, some airlines have prerequisites that you must follow to travel without any [...]

By |February 19th, 2021|COVID-19 Testing|Comments Off on COVID Testing: Fit-to-Fly – All the details

Failed DOT Drug Test – Stop Driving Immediately

Suppose you send a driver out with a shipment to a customer, and in the meantime, their DOT drug test results return positive. According to the FMCSA, the employer is legally obliged to remove the driver from their safety-sensitive duties immediately. That means immediately. Meaning NOW. However, with your shipment already on the way, and if you [...]

What if an Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19?

With many states and cities lifting COVID lockdown restrictions, does your workplace have safety measures in place to cope with the new normal? As employees return to the workplace, employers must have strategies to ensure everyone's wellbeing. The novel coronavirus is here to stay, at least for now. And given its contagious nature, anyone at [...]

COVID testing – PCR vs. Antigen Tests

With the novel coronavirus still dominating the headlines, research is still underway to create the perfect vaccine and develop a foolproof testing method for the virus. The good news is that there are a couple of reliable tests available to diagnose COVID-19. Since the virus spreads through respiratory droplets, people working in high-density settings [...]

The Value of Reasonable Suspicion Training

With substance abuse rising at an alarming rate in the workplace, organizations need to provide their employees with reasonable suspicion training. Reasonable suspicion training not only enhances workplace safety but is also a vital part of caring for your employees and learning to recognize potential health problems. What is Reasonable Suspicion Training? Reasonable suspicion training [...]