In the workplace, alcohol testing is used for only a few reasons. For some federally regulated workers (e.g. CDL drivers), random alcohol testing is required. For others, alcohol testing can also be random, but more often it is conducted post-accident, for suspicion or for site access. The aim of this test is to promote [...]
While consuming alcohol is legal in all US states for adults over the age of 21, it's illegal for CDL drivers to be have a breath alcohol concentration of .02 or over, while performing safety-sensitive tasks. Alcohol is known to cause an impaired sense of judgment and increased risky behavior on the road, which is [...]
In the midst of a global pandemic with confusing and conflicting information about how the coronavirus is transmitted, many breath alcohol technicians are uncomfortable conducting breath tests. Makes sense. Even with precautions, including using a private area outdoors, there is an individual exhaling strongly in close proximity to the BAT (Breath Alcohol Technician). The BAT [...]
What the Heck is EtG test? Ethyl Glucuronide, aka EtG, is a metabolite of ethanol. A metabolite is simply what your body produces in response to the ingestion of ethanol. Two Types Of Tests: Hair follicle EtG alcohol test – Hair is cut at skin level (not actually the follicle) and sent to the [...]
Post-accident drug and alcohol testing is alive and well. On October 11, 2018, OSHA published a memorandum clarifying that there is no prohibition against post-accident drug and alcohol testing. Previously, OSHA indicated that employers could not use “drug testing (or the threat of drug testing) as a form of adverse action against employees who report injuries [...]
With workplace addiction at an all-time high, many landscape contractors are choosing more proactive steps to ensure that their workforce is safe, healthy and productive. When it comes to substance abuse in the workplace, unfortunately, an accident is often the first clue that a problem exists. And, more often than not, the injured party is [...]
With workplace addiction at an all-time high, many businesses are choosing more proactive steps to ensure that their workforce is healthy and productive. Unfortunately, an accident is often the first clue that a problem exists. American businesses lose 81 billion dollars per year due to drug use – most of which is incurred before [...]
Yes. A BIG FAT yes. Some companies mistakenly think that getting drug test results directly from a lab or from an in-house-administered instant test is good enough. And after reading this, they may still consider it worth the risk. But make no mistake. There are risks. Ultimately, you are responsible for ensuring a fair, reliable [...]
If it’s a truck driver, it’s your responsibility to find out. Many employers make an offer of employment contingent upon the results of a criminal background check and drug test. If the candidates pass, they’re hired. Employers regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, however, have another important requirement. First, you must ask the new [...]
A worker has an accident. Someone may or may not be hurt. Perhaps the incident could have been averted with a decent random testing program, but it’s too late to think about that. Note to self: “Add random testing program to next week’s company meeting agenda.” Now what? Will there be a claim? What's it going [...]
