Complying with government requirements or other mandates is one reason many businesses implement drug-free workplace programs. The specific entities and programs you need to be mindful of depends on your industry, where you do business and who you do business with. We have extensive knowledge of the following programs and regulations:
- Department of Transportation – Mandated (or covered) employees in a number of transportation-related industries including aviation, motor carriers, mass transit, railroads, maritime and pipeline are required to meet the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) alcohol and drug testing and education requirements (outlined in a DOT policy and program). Businesses who want all their employees to follow a drug-free workplace program will need a separate policy to cover non-mandated employees as well.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration – At its heart, a drug-free workplace program is about providing a safe environment for your employees and clients. Therefore, decisions made by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) can impact how you run your program. For example, in 2016 OSHA made changes that impact when a post-accident test should be conducted.
- Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s Drug-Free Safety Program – Modeled after drug-free workplace program best practices, the Drug-Free Safety Program (DFSP) gives participating businesses money back on their workers’ compensation rates. The rebate amount is based on ones DFSP enrollment level – comparable (0%), basic (4%) or advanced (7%). Besides the rebate, businesses can also apply for SURWSP, awarded by the Bureau, to help cover costs connected to implementing a drug-free workplace program.
- Ohio House Bill 80 – Passed in 2006, Ohio HB80 requires contractors and subcontractor bidding and working on state-funded jobs in Ohio to have a drug-free workplace program in place. For compliance, businesses must enroll in the Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation Drug-Free Safety Program at the comparable level (at minimum).
These programs and others (e.g., several states have programs like Ohio’s DFSP), often have program elements that overlap. This can make things both easier and more complicated. But no matter what you are facing, Working Partners® can help ensure your drug-free program meets whatever requirements you are facing.
