The DOT drug test is conducted by the Department of Transportation of the United States government. The DOT is determined to provide public safety without compromising the flexibility given to the transportation companies to conduct their operations.
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All the employees who are placed in safety-sensitive positions are subject to DOT drug testing. People working in sectors like Aviation, Commercial motor carriers, Maritime services, Pipeline (operations and management services), transit, and railroad services usually undergo drug testing based on the DOT guidelines.
Within the DOT, The Office of the Secretary’s Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC) publishes rules on how to drug test employees in safety-sensitive positions. If you are a safety-sensitive employer, you must choose the best drug testing kits to test your employee for DOT recommended drugs.
The DOT conducts urine drug tests to identify the drug traces in the individual’s system. For alcohol testing, the DOT recommends conducting a breath or saliva drug test. Below are the drugs that the DOT test for.
According to the reports of DOT in 2015, amphetamines and marijuana are the most abused drugs among safety-sensitive employees.
Employees taking prescription medications and OTC can perform safety-sensitive functions, but they should follow minimum standards. They include
The DOT allows the employer to conduct drug tests for the employees on the below-mentioned occasions.
All the new hires should undergo the DOT drug test if they are employed in any sector that involves a safety-sensitive position. For instance, even if you are appointed in the transportation department in a school, there are chances that you might face the DOT drug test. Alcohol drug testing may differ based on the discretion of the employer.
Usually, the DOT recommends a 5-panel drug test for drug testing safety-sensitive employees and new hires. So, the employer may use a 5-panel drug testing kit for DOT-related drug testing. According to the DOT guidelines, the employer should conduct the drug test randomly per year, after accidents, and during suspicion.
DOT prohibits the individual from refusing the DOT drug test. So, it is best if you take your drug test without denying it. Even if you feel that you have been unfairly selected to give your test, proceed with it anyway. After the test completion, you can express your concerns to the employer or DOT agency drug and alcohol control program office.
Refusing your drug test could be considered as positive by the agency, and you may be removed from the safety-sensitive position until you give your drug test.
Note: Upon return-to-duty screening, You might undergo unannounced drug testing six times in the first 12 months of active service. This might continue for up to 60 months as per the recommendations of SAP.
DOT drug test draws a fine line in regulating the safety-sensitive positions from getting diluted through illegal drugs. If you are opting for or in a safety-sensitive position, make sure that you stay away from drugs to have a peaceful and successful employment track.
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