Current Policies

As part of the training please review the current ULM policies and procedures concerning drug testing and a drug free workplace with all employees. 

Drug Free Workplace Policy (Administered by HR Department)

Drug Testing Policy (Administered by HR Department)

Background

Executive Order 98-38 mandated all state agencies to have a drug free workplace and to conduct drug testing as follows:

• When reasonable suspicion exists.
• Following an accident that:  leads to reasonable suspicion, results in a fatality, or results in the release of a hazardous waste or material. 
• Random testing as part of a rehabilitation monitoring program. 
• Pre-employment for both employees / appointees
• Randomly for all employees in a safety / security sensitive position.
• Prior to promotion or reassignment to a safety / security sensitive position.

Testing includes test for marijuana, opiates (narcotics), cocaine, amphetamines, phencyclidines (PCP)

Education and Awareness

Characteristics of Substance Abusers

• Crosses all demographic, geographic, and labor management lines.
• No agency or department is immune.
• They look, act, and talk like everyone else.
• Usually substance abuse is only noticeable through poor job performance.

Negative Impact of Substance Abuse

• Safety - impair the safety of themselves and also the safety of everyone around them.
• Productivity - typically productivity is decreased among drug users.
• Quality - the quality of the drug user's work declines

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drugs

Must follow all warning labels, just because you are not drowsy does not mean you are not impaired.  The sedation effect from some of these drugs can last from 20 minutes to 4 hours or longer.  When operating vehicles, equipment, and heavy machinery DO NOT take prescribed or over-the-counter drugs that have a warning label to that effect.

If you have questions or need further information please contact Lindsay McNair, Environmental Health & Safety Officer at 342-5177.