Employers use workplace alcohol screening for specific reasons. Federally regulated workers (e.g., CDL drivers) require random alcohol testing. For others, alcohol testing may be conducted randomly, post-accident, due to suspicion, or for site access. The test helps maintain a safe, productive environment and reduce risks.
Different alcohol testing methods are used in workplaces, including breath tests, urine tests, blood tests, saliva tests, and hair tests. Breath tests are the most common, offering quick results and assessing current impairment. Blood tests, although accurate, are invasive. Saliva tests are reliable, non-invasive, and easy to perform, while hair and urine tests differ.
Testing frequency depends on workplace policy, often random or as a condition of employment. Some employers may test after an incident or suspect impairment.
While alcohol use is legal off-duty and protected, impairment at work remains a significant concern. Employers must have clear policies, communicate them to employees, and ensure fair, unbiased testing.
Workplace alcohol testing is a valuable tool for safety and productivity. It must be performed responsibly and respectfully.
Why Is Workplace Alcohol Screening Important?
Workplace alcohol screening is important for several reasons:
Safety
Alcohol can impair an individual’s judgment, reaction time, and motor skills, making them a potential hazard in the workplace, especially in jobs that require operating machinery, driving or performing other safety-sensitive tasks. Alcohol screening helps to identify individuals who may be under the influence of alcohol and prevent them from putting themselves or others at risk.
Compliance with laws and regulations
Workplace alcohol testing is often required by law for certain industries, such as transportation, and employers must comply with these regulations to avoid fines or legal penalties.
Workplace culture and morale
Workplace alcohol screening can help to create a safe and healthy work environment and promote a culture of sobriety and professionalism.
Productivity
Individuals who use alcohol excessively can experience a range of negative effects, such as decreased motivation and focus, absenteeism, and decreased productivity. Alcohol screening helps to identify these individuals and provide them with the support they need to overcome their substance abuse problem and return to work.
Protecting company assets
Alcohol and substance abuse can lead to theft, fraud, and misconduct, risking company assets and reputation. Alcohol screening identifies individuals engaged in such behaviors and helps them get support to overcome their substance abuse issues.
Workplace alcohol screening must comply with relevant laws and regulations, including privacy and consent. Employees have the right to challenge alcohol test results. Employers must have procedures to handle disputes fairly and impartially.
For employees regulated by the US Department of Transportation, consent is not required for breath alcohol testing, and it is forbidden.
The Urine Specimen Collection Guidelines clearly state:
No one, including collection site personnel or the collector, can require an employee to sign a consent or waiver for drug testing. Collection sites may not use “generic” consent forms for DOT-required urine specimen collections. This rule applies even if the clinic policy requires consent from the general patient population. (page 9)
What are the laws and regulations to comply with when it comes to workplace alcohol testing?
The laws and regulations related to workplace alcohol testing vary by state and jurisdiction, but some common regulations that employers must comply with include:
Privacy and consent
Unless employees are regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, employers must obtain informed consent before conducting alcohol testing. Additionally, employers must comply with privacy laws that govern the collection, use, and storage of personal information.
Reasonable suspicion
In many jurisdictions, employers may conduct alcohol testing only if they have a reasonable suspicion that an employee is under the influence. This means the employer must have objective evidence of impairment, such as observed behavior or the odor of alcohol on the breath.
Due process
Employees have the right to challenge the results of an alcohol test. Employers must implement procedures to handle disputes fairly and impartially.
Right Technician, Right Device
Breath alcohol testing should only be conducted by properly trained individuals. For federal testing, these individuals must be certified. Furthermore, breath testing devices used for federal testing must be listed on the NHTSA Conforming Products List. Employers should follow these standards for non-DOT employment breath alcohol tests as well.
Record keeping
Employers must maintain accurate records of their workplace alcohol testing program. These records include test results and any disputes that arise.
Employers must familiarize themselves with the laws and regulations related to workplace alcohol testing in their jurisdiction and seek advice if they have any questions or concerns. Non-compliance with workplace alcohol testing regulations can result in fines, legal penalties, and damage to an organization’s reputation.
What are the different types of alcohol testing?
There are several types of alcohol testing methods that are commonly used, including:
Breath alcohol test
A breathalyzer™ test measures the amount of alcohol in a person’s breath, providing an estimate of their blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Thus, Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC) is equivalent to Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC).
Blood test
A blood test is an equally accurate method of measuring BAC. However, it is also the most invasive and typically requires a blood sample tested in a laboratory.
Urine test
A urine test detects the presence of alcohol and its metabolites, substances produced by the body as it breaks down alcohol. It is important to note that urine alcohol tests do not measure current impairment.
Saliva test
A saliva test is a non-invasive method for testing alcohol presence. It involves collecting a saliva sample from the individual. Importantly, the US DOT recognizes saliva testing for initial screening, making it a reliable method for alcohol detection.
Hair test
A hair test detects the presence of alcohol in a person’s hair, providing a longer-term record of alcohol consumption. Because alcohol remains in head hair for up to 90 days, this test offers a longer detection window.
The type of alcohol test used can depend on the situation and the purpose of the test, as well as the legal and regulatory requirements in the jurisdiction where the test is being conducted.
Breath Alcohol Testing
Breath Alcohol Testing is the most common method for detecting alcohol consumption in the workplace. It is quick, non-invasive, and provides immediate results, making it popular among employers. The test measures alcohol levels in a person’s breath, reflecting alcohol in their bloodstream.
Employers use an EBT, or Evidential Breath Test device, for Breath Alcohol Testing. This portable device is easy to administer on the job site. The employee blows into the breathalyzer, and the device provides a reading of their breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) level. The results assess current impairment. In most states, a result of .08 can lead to a DUI charge. For CDL drivers, a result of .04 is a serious violation. Employers should specify in their policies what level violates company policy.
Employers use Breath Alcohol Testing to ensure workplace safety and promote productivity. Testing may occur randomly, as a condition of employment, or after an incident, especially if an employee is suspected of being under the influence.
Blood alcohol test
Blood alcohol testing measures alcohol levels in a person’s bloodstream, but it rarely appears in workplace alcohol testing programs. The test analyzes alcohol in the bloodstream and requires a laboratory for results, which are not immediate. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requires blood alcohol testing after an accident.
A healthcare professional or laboratory takes a blood sample for testing. A laboratory analyzes the results to determine the individual’s BAC. This helps assess their level of impairment and ability to perform job duties safely.
Employers must comply with relevant laws and regulations when conducting alcohol testing in the workplace, including privacy and consent rules. They must also ensure they maintain the proper chain of custody. Employees can challenge the results of a blood alcohol test. Employers must have procedures to address disputes fairly and impartially.
Saliva alcohol test
There are several benefits to saliva alcohol testing, including:
Non-invasive
As mentioned, saliva alcohol testing is a non-invasive method that does not require a blood or urine sample. This makes it a less intrusive option for alcohol testing.
Convenient
Saliva alcohol testing is quick and easy to perform. Additionally, negative results can be obtained within a few minutes when an instant test is conducted.
Accurate
Saliva alcohol testing provides accurate results because it directly measures the level of alcohol in the saliva. Since the alcohol level in saliva is closely linked to the alcohol level in the bloodstream, the results are reliable.
Tamper-resistant
Saliva alcohol testing is less susceptible to tampering or adulteration than other methods, such as urine testing. This is because the sample is collected under direct supervision, minimizing the risk of manipulation.
Hair alcohol test (EtG)
Hair alcohol testing detects alcohol and its metabolites in a person’s hair sample. It is a long-term method of alcohol testing. The test can detect alcohol metabolites for several months after consumption.
To perform the test, a hair sample, usually about 1.5 inches long from the scalp, is collected. The laboratory analyzes the sample to test for alcohol metabolites using methods such as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).
Hair alcohol testing delivers reliable results and detects alcohol metabolites for several months. It is useful for individuals in zero-tolerance programs.
Urine alcohol test
Urine alcohol testing is not recommended for workplace testing because it does not measure current impairment. It can detect alcohol for several days after consumption. The method may produce “false positives” in individuals with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes.
Urine alcohol testing is non-invasive but rarely used in workplace drug and alcohol testing programs.
To perform the test, the collector collects a urine sample and sends it to a laboratory for analysis. A laboratory analyzes the sample to test for alcohol metabolites using methods such as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).
Urine alcohol testing can detect alcohol and its metabolites for several days. An employee could test positive after drinking over the weekend.
Ethanol vs. EtG
An important distinction to understand, is the difference between a urine test for Ethanol and an EtG Urine alcohol test.
A urine alcohol test for ethanol checks for actual alcohol and can be combined with a urine test for drugs. For instance, probation testing, court-ordered testing, and zero-tolerance programs often use this type of test, where alcohol consumption is prohibited. A common example is a urine specimen five-panel drug test plus ethanol (or urine alcohol).
EtG is a direct metabolite of alcohol. Therefore, its presence in urine indicates recent ethanol consumption, even after ethanol is no longer measurable directly. In fact, EtG in urine indicates that someone consumed ethanol, and it has up to an 80-hour detection window.
Court-ordered testing and other zero-tolerance alcohol abstinence programs, including those for repeat DUI offenders or child custody cases with alcohol abuse concerns, often use EtG alcohol testing. Thus, EtG testing is crucial for confirming alcohol consumption patterns in these cases.
The main purpose of EtG testing with urine or hair is to confirm alcohol abstinence. However, food products with alcohol can trigger a positive EtG test. Environmental or home products that contain alcohol could also cause a positive EtG result. Examples include aftershave, hair dye, hygiene products like antiperspirant, mouthwashes, hand sanitizer, breath sprays, cleaning products, cosmetics, or foods prepared with or flavored with alcohol.
Additionally, it’s important to note that urine alcohol testing may not suit all individuals or situations. For example, some individuals may have medical conditions that interfere with the results.
Urine alcohol testing is not recommended for employment testing.