Our service lines are multi-faceted and tailored to meet each client’s needs and specifications. We provide policy development/implementation, training, testing, medical reviews, and background screenings.
We manage the policies and testing documentation/process, as well as provide the medical oversight and review of screening. We do NOT offer any laboratory services in-house, rather we work with reputable, third-party laboratories to perform the blood and specimen tests.
DOT - Department of Transportation
In an effort to establish a safer transportation industry, the U.S. Department of Transportation implemented drug and alcohol regulations and testing requirements for “safety-sensitive” employees. A “safety-sensitive” employee is someone who holds a job that can impact both their own safety and the safety of the public.
These rules apply to transportation employees working in, but not limited to, aviation, trucking, railroads, mass transit, pipelines, and other transportation industries.
flight crews, flight attendants, aircraft dispatchers, ground security coordinators, and more.
commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders [who operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs)], vehicles that carry 16+ passengers (including the driver), and vehicles that transport hazardous materials and are required to display a DOT placard.
Hours of Service Act personnel, engine and train workers, signal service workers, and train dispatchers.
vehicle operators, controllers, mechanics, and armed security.
operations, maintenance, and emergency response workers.
crew members operating a commercial vessel.
For more information about the U.S. Department of Transportation rules and regulations, visit their website.
“Becoming drug-free will increase integrity, safety, and productivity within your organization.”
Clearinghouse
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established The Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse in 2020. As a national database, The Clearinghouse enables employers to identify drivers who may commit a violation but fail to report it to their new employer.
The Clearinghouse provides FMCSA and employers the necessary tools to identify drivers who are prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) based on regulatory violations. It also ensures that these drivers receive the required evaluation and treatment prior to operating a CMV on public roads again.
Records of drug and alcohol program violations will remain in the Clearinghouse for five years or until the driver has completed the return-to-duty process, whichever is later.
The database contains information pertaining to violations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) controlled substances (drug) and alcohol testing program for all holders of CDLs. Current rules require employees to share their infractions with new employers. The Clearinghouse provides a resource for employers to verify information submitted by their new or potentially new hires.
The Clearinghouse rules require any violations of the drug and alcohol regulations to be reported and documented for both current and prospective employees. The regulations are detailed in 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 40 and 382.
This requirement applies to FMCSA-regulated employers, medical review officers (MROs), substance abuse professionals (SAPs), consortia/third-party administrators (C/TPAs), and other service agents.
The Clearinghouse rules also require employers to regularly review the database for prospective and current employees. Prior to permitting those employees from operating a commercial vehicle on public roads, employers must review their information on the Clearinghouse. At a minimum, employers are required to review their current employees’ statuses annually.
For more information about the Clearinghouse database, requirements, etc. visit their website.
“Benefits of a partnership include: reducing workplace accidents, improving personnel retention, and decreasing workers’ compensation premiums and claims.”
Businesses and Individuals (Non-DOT)
Drug Free Workplaces works with small, medium, and large scale businesses to define their drug and alcohol policies, along with individuals who may need testing services.
Drug Free Workplaces classifies these companies and individuals as “Non-DOT,” which simply means they are not regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Whether a company operates a small, local business, a multi-operation national brand, or something in-between, it is essential to establish drug and alcohol policies, as well as background screening requirements.
Each individual employer dictates how to manage and run their own program in accordance with their needs. The timing and frequency of testing is the employer’s choice, as is the type of testing. The company may choose to utilize urine tests, oral fluid tests, hair samples, or a combination of the three. It is important to take into consideration the legal regulations and recommendations when choosing testing methods.
Moreso, it is important to have the details and rules clearly defined in the company’s policy manual. Prospective and current employees should both understand the expectations, requirements, and ramifications as it relates to background screenings and drug/alcohol testing provisions.
Although businesses may define their own background screening and ongoing alcohol or drug testing policies, they must also adhere to any guidelines set forth by applicable regulatory organizations.
Different states, regulatory boards, certification authorities, etc. may establish their own set of requirements as it relates to drug and alcohol testing or being certified drug-free. Staying current and adhering to all applicable regulations may quickly become cumbersome.
Nevertheless by partnering with Drug Free Workplaces, internal policies and procedures can be developed/tailored in accordance with the applicable regulations. Clients are requested to provide a list of any additional regulatory bodies that provides oversight or requires reporting from their organization. The Drug Free Workplaces team of experts will then research and include any necessary regulations or guidelines within the client’s written policies.
“Entrust the experts to manage and oversee your company’s applicable policies, procedures, and testing.”
Background Screenings
Companies often want to ascertain a clear understanding of potential employees prior to onboarding. Background checks provider employers with additional information that may not be included in standard applications.
Drug Free Workplaces has expanded its service lines and now offers pre-employment background screenings.
- Name alias search
- National sex offender registry
- Nationwide criminal database
- Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)
- Office of Inspector General (OIG)
- Social security number trace (SSN)
- System for Award Management (SAM)
- Unlimited 7-year county/state criminal search
- Motor vehicle report (3 years)
- Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS DOT)
- Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP DOT)
- 5-year crash
- 3-year inspection
- Education verification
- Employment verification
- Professional license verification
- Reference verification
- Social media search
“Empower your team to understand ‘why’ the policies are in place and how it benefits them, not just the company.”
Education and Online Training (DOT)
Educating employees and supervisors about the drug and alcohol policies is imperative to ensuring full understanding of the regulations. Drug Free Workplaces provides education and online training for employees and supervisors, regulated by the DOT.
DOT Supervisor Training Courses:
Audience: DOT supervisors
Available Modules: FAA, FTA, FMCSA, and PHMSA
Course: DOT Reasonable Suspicion Training for Supervisors
Course Length: 120 minutes
DOT Employee Training Courses:
Audience: DOT employees
Available Modules: FAA, FTA, FMCSA, and PHMSA
Course: DOT Drug and Alcohol Awareness for Employees
Course Length: 30-60 minutes (agency dependent)
Education and Online Training (Non-DOT)
Implementing drug- and alcohol-free policies only benefits a company so much unless they also provide the necessary education for their team and supervisors. Through a partnership with Drug Free Workplaces, Non-DOT clients receive education and online training for both their supervisory leadership and team members.
Non-DOT Supervisor Training Courses:
Audience: non-DOT supervisors
Intended for businesses of varying size and industry
Course: Non-DOT Reasonable Suspicion Training for Supervisors
Course Length: 25 minutes
Course: Drug-Free Workplace Training for Supervisors
Course Length: 120 minutes
Course: Non-DOT Reasonable Suspicion Training for Supervisors
Course Length: 25 minutes
Course: Non-DOT Drug-Free Workplace Annual Supervisor Refresher Training
Course Length: 60 minutes
Non-DOT Employee Training Courses:
Audience: non-DOT employees
Intended for businesses of varying size and industry
Course: Drug and Alcohol Awareness for Employees (Non-DOT)
Course Length: 30 minutes
Course: Drug-Free Workplace Training for Employees (Non-DOT)
Course Length: 60 minutes