HomeMy WebLinkAbout120 95
c~. rw '~'1d.-95
STATE OF WASHINGTON
County of Jefferson
In The Matter of Adopting A Drug and
Alcohol Testing Policy and
Procedures Manual for Employees Who
Hold a Commercial Drivers License
As a Condition of Employment
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RESOLUTION NO. 120-95
WHEREA5', Congress passed the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991 which
requires alcohol and drug testing programs for persons in the transportation industry who's job duties requires a
valid Commercial Drivers License; and,
WHEREAS, said programs must address pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, random and post
accident testing of drivers for the use alcohol or controlled substances in violation oflaw or Federal regulation;
and,
WHEREAS, Jefferson County employs individuals who are required to hold a Commercial
Drivers License as a condition of employment and is subject to the Federal regulation promulgated as the result
of the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act; and,
WHEREAS, said regulations requires the County to develop and adopt a drug and alcohol testing
policy and testing procedure consistent with Federal requirements; and,
WHEREAS, the County has developed said policy and a procedures manual and has entered into
a contract with a Drug and Alcohol Testing Consortium to carry out the testing and reporting requirements of
said policy; and,
WHEREAS, said policy and procedures manual must be in place and the program implemented
by January I, 1996; and,
WHEREAS, this policy and procedures manual is forwarded to assure compliance with Federal
Law and Regulation, as well the protection of the motoring public.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of County Commissioners of Jefferson
County hereby adopt the Jefferson County Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy and Procedures Manual to govern
in the case of employees holding a Commercial Drivers License as a condition of employment with Jefferson
County.
APPROVED this
cr'l.-
II - day of December, 1995.
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONE
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Richard Wojt, Member '-1 /' (
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Lorna L. Delaney, CMC (J
Clerk of the Board '
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JEFFERSON COUNTY
DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING PROCEDURES
MANU AL
I , have received training
and a copy of the Drug and Alcohol Policy and Testing Procedures
Manual. I fully understand the purposes and consequences of this
policy.
Employee
Date
Supervisor's Initials
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IV.
V.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
INTRODUCTION ....................................... 1
A. Requirement to Participate in Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. . . . .. 1
B. Covered Employees ..................................1
C. Designated Contact ..................................1
D. Testing, Evaluation and Referral Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2
II.
TESTING PROCEDURES ..................................3
A. Pre-Employment Testing ...............................3
B. RandomTesting ....................................3
C. ReasonableSuspicionTesting ............................5
D. Post-Accident Testing .................................5
E. Return to Duty and Follow-Up Testing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6
1) Follow Up Testing .................................7
2)AfterHoursTesting ................................ 7
III.
TESTING COSTS .......................................7
A. TestingCosts ......................................8
B. Pay Status ........................................8
TESTING METHODS ....................................10
A. DrugTesting .....................................10
B. AlcohoITesting....................................lO
TRAINING AND EDUCATION .............................10
ATTACHMENT A - Drug Testing Policy
ATTACHMENT B - Testing Methodology
ATTACHMENT C - Sample Forms
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DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING PROCEDURES MANUAL
I.
A.
B.
C.
INTRODUCTION
Requirement to Participate in Drug and Alcohol Testing Program
The Jefferson County is required by Federal regulation to administer a
testing program for drug and alcohol use for employees who are required
to have and maintain a Commercial Driver's License to perform their job
duties.
Covered Employees
The following groups of employees are required by law to participate in the
drug and alcohol testing program:
1.
Regular employees who are required to operate a commercial vehicle
as part of their routine job duties;
2.
Temporary employees who are required to operate a commercial
vehicle as part of their routine job duties;
3.
Any employee who possesses a Commercial Driver's License who
may at any time operate a commercial vehicle on an on-call,
emergency or unscheduled bases (including supervisory employees
who may be called upon at any time to operate a commercial motor
vehicle);
4.
Current employees who transfer or promote to a position requiring
operation of a commercial vehicle and possession of a Commercial
Driver's License;
5.
A pre-employment drug test is required of all persons given a
conditional job offer for a position that meets the description outlined
above.
Designated Contact
The following individual(s) have been designated by the County to answer
questions about the program and program materials and may provide
employees with resource materials or referral assistance:
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Drug and Alcohol Testing Procedures Manual
Human Resource Manager 385-9383
Clerk of the Board of Commissioners,
Employment Reporting/Records Manager 385-9100
D.
Testing, Evaluation and Referral Services
The County has joined the Association of Washington Cities (A WC)
Drug and Alcohol Testing Consortium for much of the administration of
this program. The A WC consortium has contracted with Virginia Mason
to conduct the random testing services, provide the testing laboratory
facilities, arrange the testing collection sites, and provide the Medical
Review Officer (MRO) functions. The services of a Substance Abuse
Professional (SAP) are also available for employees with positive test
results.
Drug and Alcohol Testing Collection Site:
Jefferson General Hospital Laboratory
834 Sheridan
Port Townsend, W A 98368
Testing Laboratory:
Drug Proof
Nordstrom Medical Tower
P.O. Box 14950
Seattle W A 98114
(206) 386-2454
Medical Review Officers
Robert D. Petrie, M.D.
or
Samuel Strauss, DO, MPH, FACPM
Virginia Mason Occupational Medicine
6720 Southcenter Blvd.
Suite 110
Tukwila W A 98188
(206) 242-3651
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Drug and Alcohol Testing Procedures Manual
Substance Abuse Professional
Olympic Resources
18720 33rd Ave West, Suite 200
Lynnwood WA 98037
1-800-624-5357
Olympic Resources will refer caller to a Substance Abuse Professional in
the local area.
II.
TESTING PROCEDURES
A.
Pre-Employment Testing
Following a conditional offer of employment, prospective employees will
be tested for the presence of drugs as part of the pre-employment
physical examination.
Current employees who are transferring from a position that does not
require a Commercial Driver's License to a position that does require
one, will be tested for the presence of drugs prior to performing duties
that require driving or operating a commercial vehicle.
A positive drug test result for an employment candidate will result in
rescinding the conditional offer of employment by Jefferson County. The
individual will only be eligible to re-apply for a position covered by
these procedures after six months. Employees seeking to transfer to a
position requiring the driving of a commercial vehicle will be denied the
transfer and are subject to discipline as described in the Drug and
Alcohol Testing Policy for Employees who Operate Commercial
Vehicles.
B.
Random Testing
The names and social security numbers for employees covered by these
procedures at the County have been included in the A WC Drug and
Alcohol Testing Consortium pool. This pool contains all eligible
individuals from all of the consortium members. The pool database is
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Drug and Alcohol Testing Procedures Manual
managed by Virginia Mason and is updated monthly as changes in
personnel occur.
The annual random testing rate required under federal regulations is 50 %
of the pool for drug testing and 25 % of the pool for alcohol testing.
This means that if the pool contains 1,000 members, there will be at
least 500 random drug tests and at least 250 random alcohol tests
conducted throughout the year.
Virginia Mason uses a software program calJed HEIDI to randomly
select individuals for random testing on a monthly basis. Some
individuals will be selected for drug testing and others will be selected
for both drug and alcohol testing.
Each month, Virginia Mason will send the names of individuals selected
for random testing to the appropriate consortium member contacts. If
Jefferson County has any employees selected for testing, the names will
be sent to the designated contact.
Employees selected for random testing will be scheduled for a test by the
designated contact at some time during the month that the name was
selected. Employees selected for alcohol testing may only be tested just
before, during or after driving a commercial vehicle. Employees will
not be notified until the morning of the day the test is scheduled. Within
two (2) hours of being notified, the employee shall report to the test site.
Upon notification of selection for random testing, the employee will
receive an Employee Notification of Scheduled Drug and/or Alcohol Test
letter from the designated contact. The employee will be asked to sign
this letter and a Testing Consent form. The employee must present the
Employee Notification of Scheduled Drug and/or Alcohol Test letter at the
collection site along with picture identification at the time of testing. A
copy of all of the forms will be retained by the County.
After notification, the employee must proceed directly to the collection
site for testing. The collection and testing procedures are outlined in
Attachment B .
If an employee scheduled for an alcohol test receives a confirmed test
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result with a blood alcohol level of 0.02 or above and is unaccompanied
at the collection site, a supervisor will be called to the site to transport
the employee.
Refusing to submit to a test will be considered the same as a positive test
result and will subject the employee to the same consequences as
receiving a positive test result.
c.
Reasonable Suspicion Testing
According to the federal regulations, reasonable suspicion testing is to be
based on "specific, contemporaneous, articulable observations concerning
the appearance, behavior, speech or body odors of the employee." All
Lead men, Foremen, Assistant Foremen, managers and supervisors who
have responsibility for employees with a CDL and who have been trained
in detecting the symptoms of alcohol misuse or drug use and who have
directly observed behaviors, appearance or physical symptoms can
subject an employee to reasonable suspicion testing. The Lead men,
Foremen, Assistant Foremen, manager or supervisor should complete a
Reasonable Suspicion Observation Form and if possible have the form
signed by a witness.
If a supervisor has reasonable suspicion to believe that an employee who
is on duty, about to go on duty or just completed duty is under any
influence of drugs or alcohol, the supervisor will remove the employee
from duty immediately. The employee will be advised of the reasons for
reasonable suspicion and will be transported to the collection site by the
supervisor for testing.
Reasonable suspicion alcohol testing may only occur just before, during
or after an employee drives a commercial vehicle. If a reasonable
suspicion alcohol test is not conducted within two hours of determination
that it is necessary, the supervisor will prepare and maintain
documentation of the reasons why it did not occur.
D.
Post-Accident Testing
All employees covered by these procedures will be subject to post-
accident testing if they are involved in an accident with a commercial
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vehicle on a public road which results in:
1.
A fatality OR
2.
A.
There is bodily injury to a person who, as a result of the
injury, immediately receives medical treatment away from
the scene QR
B.
0 ne or more motor vehicles incurs disabling damage
requiring the vehicle to be transported away from the scene
by a tow truck or other vehicle.
After an accident, employees are responsible for contacting the
immediate supervisor or other management personnel. If the above
conditions are met, the employee must make themselves available for
post-accident testing as soon as possible. Post-accident testing for
alcohol should occur within two hours if possible, but may not exceed
eight hours. Testing for drugs should occur within 32 hours.
Employees subject to post-accident testing are prohibited from consuming
alcohol for eight hours following the accident, or until the employee has
completed the alcohol test, whichever comes first. An employee who
does not comply with the post-accident testing will-be considered to have
refused testing and will be subject to disciplinary action. An employee
in a post-accident situation should cooperate with law enforcement
personnel investigating the scene.
Supervisors are responsible for determining if the accident qualifies the
driver for post -accident testing and should escort the employee to the
collection site if possible. If an employee is unable to provide consent to
testing due to their medical condition, the supervisor will document the
reasons why the employee was not tested. If testing is not completed
within the required time following an accident, the supervisor will
document in writing why the tests were not administered.
(
E.
Return to Duty and Follow-Up Testing
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Drug and Alcohol Testing Procedures Manual
All employees who have engaged in prohibited conduct as defined in the
Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy for Employees who Operate
Commercial Vehicles, including those who have tested positive for drugs
or alcohol, are subject to return to duty and may be subject to follow-up
testing.
1.
Return to Duty Testing
After engaging in prohibited conduct regarding alcohol or drug
use, an employee is required to undergo a return to duty alcohol
and/or drug test prior to returning to a duty which requires driving
a commercial vehicle. A return to duty alcohol test must result in
a breath alcohol concentration of less than 0.02. A return to duty
drug test must result in a verified negative result.
2.
Follow Up Testing
An employee who returns to work after evaluation by a Substance
Abuse Professional (SAP) determining that the employee is in
need of assistance in resolving problems associated with alcohol
misuse or drug abuse is subject to unannounced follow up alcohol
and/or drug testing as directed by the SAP and the County, but no
less frequent than six times in the first year following the return to
work. The follow up testing period may not exceed 60 months
for each incident.
F.
After Hours Testing
If the need for testing occurs outside of the normal hours of operation of
the designated collection site, a supervisor or manager will be
responsible for following the procedures established by Virginia Mason
for such occurrences.
III.
TESTING COSTS AND COMPENSATION
A.
Testing Costs
1. The County will pay for the foJlowing alcohol and or initial drug
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Drug and Alcohol Testing Procedures Manual
tests:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Random testing
Reasonable suspicion testing
Post-accident testing
Pre-employment
2.
Employees are responsible for the costs associated with the
following tests:
a. Split sample re-tests made at the employee's request*
b. Follow-up testing
c. Return to duty testing.
*
(If a split sample re-test returns a negative result, the
County will reimburse the employee for the cost of the
test. )
3.
Substance Abuse Professional and rehabilitation costs will be the
responsibility of the employee.
B.
Pay Status
1. Employment Status
Employees testing positive and not allowed to return to work are
considered suspended and may use vacation time, sick leave or
leave without pay to complete a SAP designated treatment
program and retest for return to work. The County will not be
obligated to create any other employment opportunity for an
employee suspended due to positive testing and treatment, other
than to retain the employee position for future return to duty, if
applicable.
2.
For Time Spent Testing
Employees will be compensated for time spent to report to the
testing facility and be tested for the following alcohol and/or
initial drug tests:
a. Random testing
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b.
c.
Reasonable suspicion testing
Post-accident testing
Employees are responsible for taking the following tests on their
own time or time off without pay:
a.
b.
c.
Split-sample re-tests made at the employee's request*
Return to duty testing
Follow-up testing
*
(If a split sample re-test returns a negative result, the
County will compensate the employee for the cost of the
test and time lost.)
3.
Waiting for Results
Employees who have been asked to submit to a reasonable
suspicion drug test will be placed on unpaid leave pending the
outcome of the test results. Such employees are eligible to use
accrued vacation or sick leave during this time. If the test result
is negative, the time will be paid and any sick or vacation leave
used will be credited.
4.
Alcohol Concentration of 0.02 but less than 0.04
If an employee receives an alcohol test result of at least 0.02 but
less than 0.04, the employee must be removed from duty which
requires driving a commercial motor vehicle for at least 24 hours
following the administration of the test. The employee may use
accrued vacation or sick leave during this absence.
5.
Positive Drug Test or Alcohol Test Result of 0.04 or Higher
An employee who receives a positive drug test or who tests 0.04
or greater on an alcohol test is not allowed to return to work until
all of the applicable requirements are met as outlined in the Policy
(see Consequences of Engaging in Prohibited Conduct and
Positive Drug or Alcohol Test). Such employees may use accrued
vacation or sick leave during this absence.
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IV.
TESTING METHODS
A.
Drug Testing
The drug testing requires candidates to provide a urine specimen of at
least 45 ml to be tested for the presence of amphetamines, cocaine,
marijuana (THC), opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP). The specimen will
be sent to Drug Proof, a laboratory certified by the Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) to conduct screening
and confirmation tests according to the protocols identified in the
Department of Transportation Rules. All test results will be reviewed by
the Medical Review Officer (MRO). Specific collection procedures and
analytical procedures are covered in Attachment B.
B.
Alcohol Testing
Alcohol testing will be conducted using an approved evidential breath
testing (EBT) device operated by a trained breath alcohol technician
(BA T) at the collection site. The first test performed will be a screening
test. If the screening test results in an alcohol concentration of less than
0.02, it will be considered a negative test. If the screening test results in
an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or greater, a second, or confirmation
test is performed within 15 to 20 minutes. Specific alcohol testing
procedures are covered in Attachment B.
v.
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
The County will provide all affected employees with copies of these procedures
and the Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy for Employees who Operate
Commercial Vehicles and other information as may be required by the federal
regulations. Each driver must sign a receipt upon having been provided the
above referenced information.
Managers and supervisors designated to determine whether reasonable suspicion
exists to require a driver to undergo alcohol or drug testing will receive at least
60 minutes of training on alcohol and 60 additional minutes of training on drug
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abuse. The training will cover the physical, behavioral, speech and
performance indicators of probable alcohol misuse and use of controlled
substances.
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JEFFERSON COUNTY
Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy
for Employees who Hold a Commercial Drivers Licence
as a Condition of Employment
I.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish compliance with the Federal Highway
Administration regulations requiring drug and alcohol testing for Commercial Driver's
License holders. Regulations issued by the United States Department of Transportation
mandate urine drug and evidential breath alcohol testing for employees in safety-sensitive
positions, including those who are required to hold a Commercial Driver's License. This
policy sets forth the Jefferson County alcohol and drug testing program and the testing
and reporting requirements as required by those regulations.
ß.
APPLICA TION
This policy applies to all employees of the County who are required to have and maintain
a Commercial Driver's License in order to perform the duties of the job. Contractors
performing functions for the County involving the use of a vehicle requiring a
Commercial Driver's License, shall certify the existence of a drug and alcohol testing
program as required by federal law, prior to performing functions for the County.
ill.
POLICY
The County has a significant interest in the health and safety 'of its employees and the
citizens of the Jefferson County. In furtherance of that interest, it is the policy of the
County to take those steps necessary to ensure that its employees perform their duties and
responsibilities free of the influence of drugs and alcohol. Employees are encouraged
to seek confidential counseling on problems associated with alcohol and drug abuse.
There will be mandatory drug and alcohol testing for employees and job applicants under
the circumstances outlined in this policy.
IV.
,
DEFINITIONS
ACCIDENT - Accident means an occurrence involving a commercial vehicle on a public
road which results in (1) a fatality; (2) bodily injury to a person who, as a result of the
injury, immediately receives medical treatment away from the scene of the accident; or
(3) one or more motor vehicles incurring disabling damage requiring the vehicle to be
transported away from the scene by a tow truck or other vehicle.
DRIVER - This term includes all employees whose positions may involve driving a
commercial vehicle and that require the possession of a Commercial Driver's License.
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JEFFERSON COUNTY
Dru2 and Alcohol Testing Policy for Employees who Operate Commercial Vehicles
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE - A commercial vehicle is one that either: 1) has a gross
vehicle weight of over 26,000 pounds (including combined weight if towed unit weighs
over 10,000 pounds); 2) is designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the
driver; or 3) is used to transport hazardous materials.
DRUGS - For the purposes of this policy, in accordance with the applicable federal
regulations, "drugs" refers to the following five substances: marijuana (THC), cocaine,
opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), and amphetamines.
MEDICAL REVIEW OFFICER (MRO) - The Medical Review Officer is the licensed
physician responsible for receiving and interpreting laboratory results from the urine drug
tests.
SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION - For purposes of this policy, these are positions
associated with the driving of commercial vehicles.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROFESSIONAL (SAP) - A Substance Abuse Professional is a
licensed physician, or a licensed or certified psychologist, social worker, employee
assistance professional, or addiction counselor (certified by the National Association of
Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors Certification Commission) with knowledge of
and clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of alcohol and drug-related
disorders. The SAP is responsible for evaluating employees with positive test results.
v.
PROHIBITED CONDUCT
The following conduct regarding alcohol and drug use or abuse is prohibited:
A.
ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION
An employee may not report for or remain on duty requiring the performance of
duties covered under this policy while having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or
greater.
B.
ALCOHOL POSSESSION AND ON DUTY USE OF ALCOHOL
An employee may not possess or use alcohol while on duty or while operating a
commercial vehicle.
C.
PRE-DUTY USE OF ALCOHOL
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JEFFERSON COUNTY
Dru2 and Alcohol Testing Policy for Employees who Operate Commercial Vehicles
G.
H.
I.
An employee may not operate a commercial vehicle within four hours after using
alcohol. An on-call employee who consumes alcohol within four hours of being
called in must acknowledge the use of alcohol and shall not report for duty.
D.
ALCOHOL USE FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT
An employee required to take a post-accident alcohol test may not use alcohol for
eight hours following the accident, or until a post-accident alcohol test is given,
whichever comes first.
E.
USE OF DRUGS
An employee may not report for duty or remain on duty which requires driving
a commercial vehicle when the employee has used a drug or drugs, except when
the use is pursuant to instructions of a physician who has advised the employee
that the substance does not adversely affect the employee's ability to safely
operate a commercial vehicle. Employees who are taking a prescription or over-
the-counter medication that may impair their ability to perform their duties safely
and effectively should provide written notice from their physician or pharmacist
with respect to the effects of such substances.
F.
REFUSAL TO SUBMIT TO A REQUIRED TEST
An employee may not refuse to submit to a post-accident, random, reasonable
suspicion, or follow-up alcohol or drug test as directed by this policy. Refusal
to submit to a test shall be considered the same as a positive test result.
POSITIVE DRUG TEST
An employee may not report for duty or remain on duty requiring the
performance of duties covered ûnder this policy if the employee tests positive for
drugs or alcohol.
TAMPERING WITH A REQUIRED TEST
An employee may not tamper with, adulterate, alter, substitute or otherwise
obstruct any testing process required under this policy.
POSSESSION, TRANSFER OR SALE
No employee may possess, transfer or sell drugs or alcohol while on duty in any
position covered by this policy.
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JEFFERSON COUNTY
Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy for Employees who Operate Commercial Vehicles
VI.
TESTING
A.
Pre-employment Drug Testing
All individuals who are covered by this policy must pass a drug test as a post-
offer condition of employment.
B.
Reasonable Suspicion Testing
Employees subject to this policy shall submit to a drug and\or alcohol test when
the County reasonably suspects that this policy may have been or is presently
being violated. A referral for testing will be based on contemporaneous,
articulable observations. Such referrals will be made by supervisory personnel
who have received training concerning the signs and symptoms of drug and
alcohol use.
Alcohol testing for reasonable suspicion may only be conducted just before,
during or after an employee operates a commercial vehicle. If removed from
duty based on reasonable suspicion of alcohol use and an alcohol test is not
administered within eight hours, the employee will not be allowed to perform or
continue to perform covered functions until:
1)
an alcohol test is administered and the driver's breath alcohol
concentration measures less than 0.02; or
2)
24 hours have elapsed following the determination that there is
reasonable suspicion to believe that the employee has violated this
policy concerning the use of alcohol.
C.
Post-Accident Testing
Following an accident (as defined above) involving a commercial vehicle, driver
is required to submit to alcohol and drug tests when:
1.
A fatality OR
2.
A.
There is bodily injury to a person who, as a result of the
injury, immediately receives medical treatment away from the
scene OR
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JEFFERSON COUNTY
Dru2 and Alcohol Testin2 Policy for Employees who Operate Commercial Vehicles
B.
One or more motor vehicles incurs disabling damage
requiring the vehicle to be transported away from the scene
by a tow truck or other vehicle.
Testing should occur as soon as possible, but may not exceed eight hours after
the accident for alcohol testing and 32 hours after the accident for drug testing.
A driver who is subject to post-accident testing must remain readily available for
such testing and may not take any action to interfere with testing or the results
of testing. Drivers who do not comply with post-accident testing requirements
will be considered to have refused to submit to testing and will be subject to
sanctions for refusal to test as provided in this policy.
D.
Random Testing
Employees covered by this policy wiU be subject to random, unannounced alcohol
and drug testing.
E.
Return to Duty Testing
Employees who have violated this policy, including those who have tested
positive on a drug or alcohol test, and who under the discipline policy are allowed
to return to work, must test negative prior to being released for duty. A return
to duty test must result in a breath alcohol concentration of less than 0.02.
F.
Follow-up Testing
An employee who is referred for assistance related to alcohol misuse and/or use
of drugs is subject to unannounced follow-up testing for a period not to exceed
60 months as directed by a Substance Abuse Professional and the County. The
number and frequency of follow-up testing will be determined by the Substance
Abuse Professional and the County but will not be less than six tests in the first
12 months following the employee's return to duty.
G.
Re-tests
Employees who test positive for drugs may request a second test of the remaining
portion of the split sample within 72 hours of notification of a positive test result
by the Medical Review Officer.
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JEFFERSON COUNTY
Drog and Alcohol Testing Policy for Employees who Operate Commercial Vehicles
Vll.
REFUSAL TO TAKE AN ALCOHOL OR DRUG TEST
No employee shall refuse to submit to an alcohol or drug test as directed under this
policy. A refusal to submit shall include, but is not limited to:
a failure to provide adequate breath for testing without a valid medical
explanation after the employee has received notice of the requirement for breath
testing in accordance with the procedures manual;
a.
b.
failure to provide adequate urine for drug testing without a valid medical
explanation after the employee has received notice of the requirement for urine
testing in accordance with the procedures manual;
c.
engaging in conduct that obstructs the testing process.
Refusal to submit to a test shall be considered the same as a positive test result.
VID. SECURING INFORMATION FROM PREVIOUS EMPWYERS
If a person is to be hired into a position subject to this policy and during the previous
two years has worked as a driver of a commercial vehicle, that person must authorize a
request of all employers of the driver within the past two years to release information on
the following:
a.
Positive alcohol or drug tests
b.
Refusal to be tested
This information must be obtained before the person is employed by the County.
However, if the information has not arrived by the anticipated start date, and if the
person has passed the pre-employment drug test, the person may be hired and the
requested information must be obtained from the previous employers within 14 calendar
days of the date of hire. If the information has not been received within the 14 calendar
days, the person will not be permitted to drive commercial vehicles until the information
has arrived. If the information obtained from previous employer indicates either a
positive test or that a refusal to be tested occurred within the past two years, that person
will not be permitted to drive commercial vehicles unless subsequent information
indicates that an evaluation by a Substance Abuse Professional was made and return to
duty testing was administered.
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Drug and Alcohol Testin2 Policy for Employees who Operate Commercial Vehicles
IX.
CONFIDENTIALITY AND RECORD RETENTION
All records related to drug and alcohol testing will be maintained by the Jefferson County
Human Resources Manager in a secure location with controlled access. These records
will be kept separate from records pertaining to all other employees.
X.
CONSEQUENCES OF ENGAGING IN PROHIBITED CONDUCT OR POSITIVE
DRUG OR ALCOHOL TESTS
Consequences:
An employee is subject to appropriate disciplinary action when one or more of the
following donditions exist:
a. the employee tests positive for a drug or drugs; or refuses to be tested for
drugs, or alcohol.
b.
results from an alcohol test indicate a blood alcohol level of 0.02 or
greater; and/or,
c.
the employee has engaged in prohibited conduct as outlined in Section V.
All employees regardless of disciplinary action taken will be advised of resources
available to the employee in evaluating or resolving problems associated with drug use
or alcohol misuse.
Disciplinary Action:
Upon a positive test result the employee shall be immediately suspended from duty as
follows:
A.
Blood Alcohol Level of 0.02 or Greater, But Less Than 0.04.
1.
First Offense: Employees testing positive will be suspended from duty for
at least twenty-four (24) hours upon receipt of positive test results.
2.
Repeat Offense: Employees testing positive will be suspended from duty
for forty eight (48) hours and have his/her case referred to the Review
Board to determine additional disciplinary action, including the
rehabilitation provision of this policy.
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JEFFERSON COUNTY
Drug and Alcohol Testin~ Policy for Employees who Operate Commercial Vehicles
B.
Blood Alcohol Level of 0.04 or Greater.
1.
First Offense: Employees testing positive will be suspended and their case
will be referred to the Review Board to determine appropriate disciplinary
action.
2.
Repeat Offense: Employees testing positive will be terminated.
Review Board
Within 48 hours of the suspension, the situation will be reviewed by a review board
consisting of the Human Resource Manager (HRM), the immediate supervisor of the
employee, the Department Head and the Prosecuting Attorney. After review of the
violation circumstances, post employment history and other relevant factors, the review
board shall determine the appropriate disciplinary action of either:
1)
termination; or
2)
suspension pending completion of a SAP approved treatment program and
successful return to duty testing.
The decision of the review board shall be final.
Rehabilitation Provisions (Non-Termination):
The following provisions apply to those employees who are not terminated for their
policy violations:
A.
Positive Test Result and/or Engaging in Prohibited Conduct.
If an employee tests positive for drugs or has an alcohol test that indicates a blood
alcohol level of .04 or greater from a random, reasonable suspicion or post-
accident test, or engages in prohibited conduct as outlined in Section V, the
employee will be immediately removed from duty. The employee will not be
permitted to return to work unless he/she:
1.
has been evaluated by a qualified Substance Abuse Professional;
and,
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Dru2 and Alcohol Testing Policy for Employees who Operate Commercial Vehicles
2.
if recommended by a Substance Abuse Professional, has properly
followed any rehabilitation prescribed; and,
3.
has a verified negative result on a return-to-duty alcohol « 0.02)
and/or drug test.
Upon completion of a recommended rehabilitation program and successful return
to work, an employee will be subject to follow-up random testing for up to sixty
(60) months as recommended by the Substance Abuse Professional and the
County, with a minimum of six (6) such unscheduled tests within the first twelve
(12) months of returning to duty.
B.
Alcohol Concentration of 0.02 or greater but less than 0.04
Employees having a breath alcohol concentration of at least 0.02 but less than
0.04, shall be removed from duty for at least 24 hours, for the first offense. For
repeated offenses, employees may be subject to rehabilitation provisions of
Section A above.
XI.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM/VOLUNTARY REFERRAL
The County supports employees who volunteer for treatment of alcohol or drug abuse.
Employees are encouraged to seek treatment voluntarily. Any employee who comes
forth and notifies the County of alcohol or drug abuse problems will be given the
assistance extended to employees with any other illness. Any such program, however,
may not interfere with the tests required by these rules. For example, a driver may not
identify himself/herself as unfit to drive after having been notified of a random or
reasonable suspicion test and expect to avoid the consequences for a positive test or a
refusal to test. In addition, voluntarily seeking assistance does not excuse any failure to
comply with all of the provisions of this policy or other policies of the city.
Sick leave, vacation leave or leave of absence without pay may be granted for treatment
and rehabilitation as in other illnesses. Insurance coverage for treatment will be provided
to the extent of individual coverage. Confidentiality of information will be maintained
as much as possible at all times.
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Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy for Employees who Operate Comme.'cial Vehicles
XII.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:
The County will not be responsible for any financial consequences of an employee testing
positive, including but not limited to, the treatment plan and testing prescribed by the
SAP, required follow-up testing, re-testing, or return to duty testing.
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