Non-federally regulated safety-sensitive employees can participate in a drug testing program. However, they cannot be in the same random testing pool as regulated employees. They must use different testing CCFs and test panels. A non-DOT drug testing program follows a similar process, but it includes important differences. Here at InOut Labs, we provide drug [...]
When random selections are made, your company's Designated Employer Representative (DER) is provided with the list of selected employees. The DER chooses the time for testing within the quarter and notifies each employee at the appropriate time. Your DER is permitted to schedule that testing when it is convenient for your company. Although the [...]
InOut Labs generally selects randoms quarterly (i.e. four times per year). Some clients, however, prefer monthly selection. We also manage a number of seasonal employers for whom we make selections Q2, Q3 and Q4 only. Regardless of how often selections are made, we always make sure that the selection percentages are performed according to [...]
If your employees are required to be tested under DOT regulations, then no notice period is required. Your company is, however, required to post certain required information and provide your employees with Employee Education handouts regarding the federal regulations and your company's drug and alcohol testing program. The Compliance Manual provided with membership contains all [...]
It generally takes InOut Labs one to two business days to process your application and provide you with proof of membership. You will receive your company's Compliance Manual and testing supplies in about a week. The Compliance Manual contains forms and step-by-step instructions on how to set up and manage your company's drug and [...]
What is a DER? What are a DER's responsibilities? (TL;DR – DER Training Course) The term DER comes from the government. The US Department of Transportation (49 CFR Part 40) defines Designated Employer Representative as follows: A Designated Employer Representative (DER) plays a crucial role in workplace drug testing. The employer authorizes the DER [...]
Seems like it might be. But it’s not. A workplace drug test is a toxicology test, whereas a medical test is a clinical test. In fact, these tests are conducted in different facilities on different equipment. Labs like Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp conduct clinical tests and toxicology tests in totally different cities. Chain of [...]
There are many reasons to put your drug-free workplace policy in writing. Here are some substance abuse policy considerations: Regulations, state drug-free workplace programs, specific contracts, or insurance carriers may require a written policy. This policy serves as a record of your organization’s commitment to maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive workplace. In case [...]
The Return To Duty Process and the SAP If a DOT-regulated employee fails or refuses a drug or alcohol test, s/he must complete the Return-To-Duty (RTD) process in order to return to safety-sensitive work. Many employers with non-regulated employees follow a similar procedure, but under DOT it’s non-negotiable. The main question we get is [...]
Good question! The ROI on drug testing is an important factor every employer should consider. Other than the well-know benefits to safety, productivity and culture, if you're going to spend time and money to drug test new hires and employees, it would be nice to know if there is a reasonable return on investment. [...]
