If you want to work in the transportation industry in Utah, it’s really important to follow the requirements set by the Department of Transportation (DOT), which includes its Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. The program is meant to keep everyone on the road safe, especially those who drive large trucks and other commercial vehicles. Still, it can be tough to follow all the rules. Besides making sure you and your employees don’t use drugs or alcohol, you also have to find a proper testing site that meets all regulations.
Fortunately, Fleet Drug Testing is here to assist you in maintaining compliance with DOT regulations. Our team consists of experienced professionals who offer a wide array of drug testing services and programs. We can help you locate one of the hundreds of convenient testing sites in Utah, whether you’re passing through Salt Lake City, Ogden, or Provo.
No matter where your route takes you in Utah, our team can support you in finding a drug testing facility that ensures compliance. Contact us today to get started, or visit our enrollment page to see which of our programs meets your needs.
DOT Testing Requirements For Utah Employees
Like employees in other parts of the country, remaining compliant with DOT regulations is essential to their ability to remain licensed and in business. First and foremost, these regulations stipulate that all “safety-sensitive” employees are required to be tested for drugs and alcohol. While this mostly involves drivers, it also includes a host of other employees, such as:
- Pilots
- Engineers
- Conductors
- Air Traffic Controllers
- Ship captains and crew
- Railroad workers
For these employees, the DOT’s testing program applies at various points of their employment–whether they’re self-employed or work for a larger company. Under DOT regulations, employees must be tested under the following conditions:
- Pre-employment testing – Before getting hired for a job that involves safety-sensitive tasks, employees have to take a drug and alcohol test. If the test shows positive results, the employee may not get the job.
- Random testing – Employees in safety-sensitive positions can be chosen randomly for drug and alcohol testing according to DOT regulations. Employers use a computer-based system to select employees for testing, and at least 50% of employees are tested for drugs and 10% for alcohol within a year.
- Reasonable suspicion testing – If there is a reasonable belief or suspicion that an employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, DOT regulations require the employee to undergo testing.
- Post-accident testing – Whenever an employee is involved in a work-related accident or incident that causes serious injuries, fatalities, or property damage, they must take a drug and alcohol test.
- Return-to-duty testing – After testing positive for drugs or alcohol, employees must complete a substance abuse treatment program and pass a “return-to-duty” test before they can resume their safety-sensitive duties.
- Follow-up testing – Even after returning to their safety-sensitive duties, employees who previously tested positive for drugs or alcohol have to continue undergoing follow-up testing.
The DOT drug testing panels include five different substances:
- Marijuana/THC
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines (including methamphetamine and MDMA)
- Opioids (such as codeine, heroin, and morphine)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
The testing process, which utilizes a urine sample, has several steps to ensure accuracy and validity:
- Employers must inform employees about the testing procedures and protocols, including the when and where of the testing.
- A trained collector at the testing site collects a urine sample from the employee. The collector ensures the sample is properly labeled and sealed to prevent tampering.
- The urine sample is divided into two containers: the primary and split specimens. The primary specimen is sent to a certified laboratory for testing, while the split specimen is kept at the collection site in case of any challenges to the test results.
- The primary specimen undergoes analysis at a certified laboratory using an immunoassay test. If the result is positive, a confirmation test using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is conducted.
- The Medical Review Officer (MRO) reviews the test results and contacts the employee if there is a positive result. The MRO also asks the employee about any prescription medications they may be taking that could have affected the test result. If the employee provides a valid medical explanation, the MRO reports the result as negative.
- The MRO reports the test results to the employer. If there is a positive result, the employee must be removed from safety-sensitive duties immediately, and the employer may need to report the positive result to the DOT.
- Employees who test positive must complete a substance abuse evaluation and follow a program of follow-up testing. They must test negative on a return-to-duty test before they can resume safety-sensitive duties.
Preparing For a DOT Drug Test in Utah
Facing a DOT drug test may seem intimidating, but it’s crucial for the safety of everyone in the transportation industry. As an employee, it’s important to not only understand the testing procedure but also how to prepare for it. Here are some tips:
- Avoid taking any drugs or medications that could cause a false positive result. Make sure to inform the medical review officer (MRO) about any prescribed medications you’re taking.
- Since you’ll need to provide a urine sample, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. However, avoid overhydrating, as it can sometimes lead to a “negative dilute” result. If you have difficulty providing a sample, let the collector know immediately.
- Follow all instructions given by the collector. Bring a valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID.
- Arrive at the testing site on time. You may need to complete some paperwork in addition to providing the urine sample. Consider wearing comfortable clothing that is easy to remove and doesn’t interfere with the sample collection process. Following these simple steps can make the testing process more efficient and increase the chances of obtaining accurate results.
Ensuring accurate test results is important not only for you as an employee but also for your employer. Compliance with DOT regulations is crucial for keeping your business running smoothly and providing for your family. That’s why it’s essential to be prepared for any drug test.
Let Fleet Drug Testing Find a DOT Testing Location in Utah Near You
If you’re in Utah and you need to find a DOT drug testing location, our knowledgeable team at Fleet Drug Testing can help you out. We provide different programs to help you and your employer follow all DOT regulations. We have a network of certified drug testing facilities in Utah that meet all the necessary requirements and guidelines to keep you moving.
Contact us today and let us help you find a DOT testing location near you in Utah.
