Random drug and alcohol testing can be effective. Employees know they will be tested, but not exactly when, so they can’t try to pass the test by “staying clean” for a few days. However, if not done correctly, random testing can be both ineffective and unethical, and can majorly impact driver morale.
Follow these best practices and work with ARCpoint Labs of Martinez to make sure you are both prepared and compliant.
What Does a Random DOT Drug or Alcohol Test Consist Of?
To do a random test, employees are put into a pool from which their names are drawn. Ideally, this should be done using a true random generator. Only drivers should be included in the pool, but part-time drivers must be included. The testing center will do a panel of tests for drugs and/or alcohol.
Best Practices For a Random DOT Drug Test
The following best practices apply to drug testing and also, in most cases, to alcohol testing.
- Employees should be given only the necessary notice, which should be 30 minutes plus reasonable travel time. Employees who don’t show up on time should be considered refusing testing. Employees must report for testing immediately.
- If an employee is unavailable due to long-term illness, maternity leave, or other legitimate extended absence, then the reason should be documented and another employee selected.
- If an employee is selected on their day off, they should be tested during their next shift. Employees cannot be forced to come in to be tested when not actually on duty.
- Employees should be chosen using a random number generator, not by some analog means such as pulling names from a hat. The randomization needs to be traceable.
- Spread testing dates throughout the year in a non-predictable pattern. For example, don’t always test on Fridays.
- Random selection should be at least quarterly.
- Employees must be notified discreetly, and the number of people who have access to the selection list must be limited. This preserves the element of surprise and protects privacy.
- Know the testing center or clinic’s hours. Don’t send employees right before closing time.
- Audit your program frequently to make sure you are, for example, testing enough people not to end up with a cluster of (predictable) tests towards the end of the year.
Following these best practices can help you stay compliant and avoid employee lawsuits. Note that you should make it clear to employees that everyone goes back into the pool after their name is pulled. Some people might be selected in multiple periods.
Owner operators have to enter a consortium that selects them for random testing. DOT testing pools must be separate from any random testing you are doing because of your own policies.
Best Practices for a Random DOT Alcohol Test
All of the above practices should also be followed for alcohol tests. However, because alcohol is legal, alcohol testing must take place immediately before, during, or immediately after safety-critical activities. Drug testing, in contrast, can happen any time an employee is on duty.
Testing should always take place following these best practices to protect employees and comply with appropriate regulations. You need to learn the specific regulations for your industry, which can be complex and difficult.
Finding the right testing partner is key. We offer DOT drug and alcohol testing, including randomized testing. Our specialists can also help you develop a program that suits your needs and meets the requirements of your industry.
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