Tennessee’s economy relies heavily on the transportation industry, which accounts for over 200,000 jobs in the state, as per data from the Tennessee Trucking Association.
At Fleet Drug Testing, our main goal is to help you follow the rules set by the federal Department of Transportation (DOT) so that your business can keep running smoothly. We have a skilled team that provides a wide range of drug testing services and programs. If you’re traveling on Interstate 65 or Interstate 40, we can help you find a convenient testing location in Tennessee. Also, if your routes take you through Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, or Memphis, we’ll make sure you know and follow all DOT regulations.
Get in touch with us today to begin the process, or you can visit our enrollment page to explore the programs that best cater to your requirements.
Why Does the DOT Have a Drug Testing Program?
For safety reasons, the Department of Transportation (DOT) makes it mandatory for employees in certain safety-sensitive roles, like commercial drivers, to undergo drug testing. This ensures that they are not under the influence while carrying out their job responsibilities.
The reason behind drug testing is to identify drivers and employees who might be using illegal drugs or misusing prescription medications, which could impair their ability to work safely. Additionally, alcohol testing is required because alcohol is a major cause of impairment and is often misused by individuals in safety-sensitive positions.
The main goal of the DOT in implementing these tests is to minimize the risk of accidents and promote a safer work environment.
Procedures in Tennessee
The DOT’s drug testing program goes beyond mere testing; it implements stringent measures to guarantee precise and consistent outcomes. This approach assures employees and their companies of professional and compliant testing services.
Let’s take a closer look at the DOT’s drug testing procedure, which applies everywhere in Tennessee:
- Notification – Employees are informed about the requirement for drug testing and what it involves.
- Collection – Trained collectors gather a urine or saliva sample from the employee using proper procedures.
- Split specimen – The collected sample is divided into two containers (A and B), sealed in front of the employee, creating two separate samples for testing.
- Sample testing – The sample is sent to a certified laboratory approved by the DHHR and NLCP, where tests are conducted to detect any drugs or alcohol in the sample.
- Review by a Medical Review Officer (MRO) – The test results are provided to an MRO who reviews them. If needed, the MRO contacts the employee for clarification or if any concerns arise.
- Reporting – The MRO informs the employer about the test results.
What happens next depends on the test results. If the test is positive, the employee might have to stop working in their safety-sensitive role. They may also need to complete a substance abuse treatment program before they can return to work.
Accurate drug test results are vital for employees and employers alike. It’s not just about compliance but also about maintaining business efficiency and supporting one’s family. Whether you’re a safety-sensitive employee or a transportation industry manager, understanding and adhering to DOT regulations is crucial.
When Does a Tennessee Employee Have to Be Drug Tested?
If you’re a safety-sensitive employee in one of the transportation industries in Tennessee, you are subject to the DOT’s drug testing program. But that’s only one part of the equation. The other part is knowing when you’ll be drug tested. According to DOT guidelines, Tennessee employees are drug tested at the following intervals:
- Pre-employment testing – Prospective employees must pass a drug and alcohol test before being hired for a safety-sensitive job.
- Random testing – Employers randomly select employees for drug and alcohol testing. At least 50% of employees should undergo drug testing, and at least 10% should undergo alcohol testing within a year.
- Reasonable suspicion testing – If there is a valid reason to suspect that an employee is under the influence, they must undergo testing as required by the DOT.
- Post-accident testing – After workplace accidents resulting in death, serious injury, or property damage, the involved employee must be tested for drugs and alcohol.
- Return-to-duty testing – If an employee tests positive, they must complete substance abuse treatment and pass a test before returning to their safety-sensitive job.
- Follow-up testing – Employees who tested positive and have returned to work must undergo regular follow-up testing.
The drug testing process involves using urine or saliva samples to detect marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and PCP. Certified facilities in Tennessee are responsible for conducting these tests. That’s why it’s so important to be able to find a convenient testing location.
Why Compliance with the DOT Testing Program is Important in Tennessee
In Tennessee, just like in other areas, ensuring compliance with the DOT’s testing program holds paramount significance for your business. It entails not only substantial financial implications but also various other compelling reasons:
- Ensuring public safety – The main goal of the DOT’s program is to uphold public safety by preventing accidents caused by individuals impaired due to drugs or alcohol. Those in safety-sensitive roles hold the responsibility of protecting the public, and any substance-related impairment poses a significant risk.
- Compliance with regulations – The program operates under a regulatory framework, and failure to adhere to its rules can result in substantial fines and legal consequences for employers. It is vital to follow the program’s guidelines to avoid legal liabilities and preserve your company’s reputation.
- Employee well-being – Employees in safety-sensitive positions could be exposed to potential harm or even fatal accidents if their colleagues are impaired by drugs or alcohol. By complying with the program, your company places a high priority on the safety and protection of its employees, reducing risks and fostering a secure work environment.
- Promoting employee health – Substance abuse can severely impact the physical and mental well-being of your employees. By identifying and addressing substance abuse issues, you can support your employees in overcoming addiction, improving their health, and enhancing their overall well-being.
Complying with the DOT testing program not only benefits your company but also shows genuine care for your employees and the public’s health and safety. Meeting the program’s rules is crucial for smooth business operations, so having a plan to find a testing site is essential for proper compliance.
Keep Your Business Moving in Tennessee
If you are in need of a DOT drug test in Tennessee, consider working with our team at Fleet Drug Testing. With our expertise in DOT drug testing, we can help you locate a certified testing facility near you, ensure compliance with all DOT regulations, and provide accurate and reliable drug test results that can keep you moving. Click here to enroll now.
