According to the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), “Of the 17.2 million illicit drug users aged 18 or older in 2005, 12.9 million (74.8 percent) were employed either full or part time.” OSHA also states that 10-20 percent of work related fatalities test positive for drugs or alcohol.
According to the United States Department of Labor, in 1984, CSX Transportation implemented Operation Redblock, a way of tackling the issue. The program’s 4000 volunteers are trained to confront substance abusers, and if appropriate, refer them to the company’s EAP, or employee assistance program. Since 1990, less than one percent of the drug tests administered to safety-sensitive employees have been positive.
It is obvious training makes a difference. That is why the Department of Transportation (DOT) currently requires their supervisors to obtain a certain amount of hours of training for alcohol and drug use in the workplace. This training not only ensures workplace safety, but also protects the public.
In a training program supervisors will learn how to make correct decisions, maintain adequate documentation, and learn the appropriate steps to perform when an issue is suspected. MedScreens, Inc. offers a reasonable suspicion course that will prepare your supervisors for discerning when a reasonable suspicion test would be appropriate, ensure your compliance with established regulations and decrease your company’s liability.