New U.S. drug testing rules in effect
CALGARY — File this under ‘not-so-great job, but someone has to do it.’
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is asking carrier associations to keep in mind that mandatory observation of return-to-duty and follow-up drug testing is now in effect.??
Observed collections are required, rather than optional, for all return-to-duty and follow-up drug testing. Carriers are asked to be aware of the changes to the DOT regulations and to consider if these changes impact carriers’ workplace policy and testing program, states the Alberta Motor Transport Association in a note to members.
If the collection site does not have a same gender observer, it may be necessary to send a same gender supervisor to the collection site with the driver, says AMTA.
Drivers that do not comply with the new procedures, the outcome will have a "refusal to test" violation.
The procedures could make drug testing by Canadian carriers for U.S. operations even a thornier issue than it’s been in the past.
Have your say
This is a moderated forum. Comments will no longer be published unless they are accompanied by a first and last name and a verifiable email address. (Today's Trucking will not publish or share the email address.) Profane language and content deemed to be libelous, racist, or threatening in nature will not be published under any circumstances.