The short version of this story is to keep following your organization’s policy and applicable regulations, not much has changed. Still, some PRISM members with drug and alcohol testing programs, whether regulated or not, are finding it difficult to administer their programs in light of the pandemic.
Back in March, the FMCSA and DOT issued COVID-19 specific guidance, including confirmation that employers must continue to comply with testing requirements, while taking employee concerns into account.
We have been working closely with our Drug and Alcohol Testing Consortium service provider, PlexusGlobal and consulting with members. Some common issues are the lack of access to the local collection facility and employee concerns of coronavirus exposure when presenting for testing.
DOT guidance, “asks employers to verify with the clinic or collection site that it has taken the necessary precautions to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19.” We recommend working with the collection facility to gain information about the preventative measures they are taking and share them with concerned employees. Your organization’s policy will determine how to handle a refusal to submit for a test, but in most cases it should be treated just the same as a positive test result.
No matter the issue you are faced with in administering your program, employers should continue to follow the best practice of documenting why a test was not completed if that be the case. If we can be of further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Risk Control.