Reasonable Suspicion Testing: How and When
Lessons Archive
Breath Alcohol Testing Explained
Dissociative Anesthetics/Hallucinogens 101
The drugs in this category distort a person’s ability to think and communicate rationally, or even to recognize reality, sometimes resulting in bizarre or dangerous behavior.
Opiates/Opioids 101
Opioids are a class of drugs that work in the brain to produce a variety of effects, including the relief of pain. Natural opiates include morphine, codeine, and heroin. Synthetic opiates include Oxycodone, Vicodin and Fentanyl.
Cannabis/Marijuana 101
The ever-changing status of marijuana legislation requires that that supervisors have a full and detailed understanding of the drug in its different forms, local and federal laws.
Stimulants 101
Stimulants, or uppers, include a diverse selection of drugs. Some of these are prescription drugs and are legal, others are illegal.
Course summary
As the supervisor charged with determining if an employee must be removed from duty and undergo drug and alcohol testing, you must consistently follow the process laid out by the Department of Transportation and your company to ensure a drug-free workplace.
Why is Good Documentation Critical?
The Intervention Meeting
You have observed and documented changes in behavior and appearance indicating that an employee may be using drugs or alcohol. Now, it is time to approach your employee for a private conversation about your suspicions.
Reasonable Suspicion Testing: By the book
Reasonable suspicion testing requirements are designed to keep impaired employees from injuring themselves or others. The Department of Transportation mandates strict protocols for reasonable suspicion testing that supervisors must follow.