The 3 benefits of FAA drug testing program and DOT drug testing program

Posted by SharonEvans on March 19th, 2015

Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Transportation are extremely strict about the consumption of drugs and alcohol at the workplace by the employees working in the aviation and the transportation sectors. The reason for this is easy to understand. Both these sectors are critical sectors and lives depend on the employees working in these sectors. A commercial pilot or a commercial vehicle driver, if they go rogue, can cause loss of lives. This is not acceptable under any circumstances. Hence, organizations in these sectors have to have regular tests conducted. The FAA drug testing program and the DOT drug testing program are these tests.

There are independent, third-party agencies who are licensed to conduct the FAA drug testing program and the DOT drug testing program. These agencies are hired by the organizations in these sectors so that a drug and alcohol free workplace can be maintained. There are some distinct benefits that the organizations get from these tests.

Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Transportation have compliances related to drug and alcohol consumption at the workplace in the aviation and the transportation sectors. Both the FAA drug testing program and the DOT drug testing program ensure that the organizations are compliant, including complying with the provisions of 49 CFR Part 40. Any organization found non-compliant will have heavy penalties to pay that may even include suspension. Who wants to take a chance?

Since these tests are conducted randomly, there is no way an employee can escape. There is no advance notice given and any employee may be asked to appear for a test at any time. This completely random process makes sure that the employees are on their guard and they don't take liberties with the laws. As a result, the organizations don't need to take any extra precaution to maintain a drug and alcohol free workplace. The employees themselves maintain the status. Moreover, the agencies that conduct these tests also train and educate the employees so that they are aware of the laws and the changes therein.

There are instances where employees need to be screened when they are about to be hired in the aviation and the transportation sectors. An employee may be addicted to drug and/or alcohol and they may choose to hide this fact during the interview process. If the organization doesn't screen properly, they could face issues later. An addicted employee is bound to fall prey to their addiction sometime or the other and jeopardize an organization's existence. Agencies that conduct the FAA drug testing program and DOT drug testing program also perform background checks during the hiring process. This is a great benefit to any organization.

These benefits of the FAA drug testing program and the DOT drug testing program are completely visible. If the agency is good enough, the organization and its employees will never goof up. This would mean goodwill for the organization and safety of the commuters. This is what the nation wants, doesn’t it?

Ensure timely conduction of the FAA drug testing program or the DOT drug testing program and reap the benefits.