HR 101: Creating and Implementing A Corporate Drug Testing Program
May 22, 2019
A clear and concise drug testing program is pertinent to maintain a safe and drug-free workplace. Impairment on the job and substance abuse can lead to higher insurance premiums, employee turnover, absenteeism, an increase in accidents, workers compensation claims, errors, and decreased employee productivity. Regardless of the industry, companies can directly see the impact that impairment in the workplace can cause. With a drug testing program, employers are able to define company policies and ensure that employees abide by them.
Employers who work in the safety-sensitive industry are required to abide by government guidelines and policies for pre-employment and on-going employment processes. Those who are onboarding a position that requires the employee to hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) must pull Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs)as part of the onboarding procedure. To gain access to that information, the American Association of Motor Vehicles (AAMVA) has a Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) which will help employers verify CDL information.
Updated May 7, 2019. This information is provided for educational purposes only. Reader retains full responsibility for the use of the information contained herein.
DISA Global Solutions (DISA) has completed another strategic acquisition in our Transportation Compliance Division. On April 1, 2019, DISA acquired Motion Picture Compliance Solutions, Inc. (MPCS), a national transportation compliance organization whose team of experts developed a comprehensive, accessible, and dynamically flexible compliance platform with special focus on the motion picture, commercial and digital media industries.
Background checks can be quite diverse, making it tricky for employers to decipher exactly what is necessary or required for their hiring standards. When implementing a background check program for your company you should know all the products and services available, understand and abide by your state laws, and maintain compliance by following the guidelines of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Employers are required to disclose to the applicant that a background check will be run and to receive written consent from the applicant to move forward with conducting the searches.
The information provided below is based off of the current Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announcement as of April 2019 and is subject to change as the program further develops. As new information becomes available, DISA will add to this page. Last Update 4/16/2019
The legalization of medical marijuana varies greatly by state, which can often be confusing for employers with drug testing policies. All companies must abide by state laws when implementing drug testing policies or risk potential lawsuits. A recent lawsuit example involving a major retail chain in Arizona has proved just how important it is to know your state laws to protect your company.