In addition, if a company belongs to the transport sector, with staff in safety-related roles, it must be legally active in a DOT drug testing program. It is a drug check controlled by the government – the Transportation Department (DOT) in particular. The United States in 1991 Congress passed the Omnibus Safety Act as the need for a drug and alcoholic-free transportation industry became recognized. Congress agreed.
The Act required DOT agencies to carry out health-sensitive workers’ drug and alcohol checks to ensure the health of the passengers and staff. DOT and U.S. agencies Coast Guard writes specific industry regulations explaining who, when, and what situations are subjected to testing. Industry employers apply their company regulations.
When DOT drug checks are carried out?
In the following cases, employers of healthy workplaces may check for drugs or alcohol:
Which are the criteria for DOT drug tests?
The same five-panel check is used for all DOT drug tests. The following tests are:
How does a DOT drug check vary from a non-DOT drug test?
DOT drug testing is done at the Department of Health and Human Services certifiable laboratories which publish monthly a list of certified laboratories. On the other hand, non-DOT drug testing is done by laboratories certified to either CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Changes) or CAP (College of American Pathologists) by one of the 2 accredited agencies. It would be wise for employers to check the certification of a lab first before testing their employees for drugs and alcohol. We provide services in Frisco, Mckinney, Texas.