FEBRUARY 14, 2019 – Spurred by our nation’s worsening drug epidemic – as well as an increase in both the number of fatal DOT-workplace accidents that have occurred in the railroad industry due to drug and alcohol use – the DOT is taking a closer look at the federal drug testing programs. The goal, is to ensure that the current oversight is adequate enough to protect the safety of employees in the transportation industry, as well as the general public.
Because the audit was prompted by an increase in drug and alcohol related accidents in the railroad industry, along with an increase in the number of positive drug tests among these same employees, the DOT announced that the federal audit would begin in that sector. Once that concludes, the DOT will turn its attention to the Federal Aviation Administration.
According to a notice given by the DOT Inspector General in December , an audit of the remaining DOT agencies will follow, though the exact timeframe of when the audit will occur – or what the outcome may be – hasn’t been announced yet. Here at Foley, we’ll keep you posted on the status of these reviews – as well as whether any changes will be made to the random testing rate, or other aspects of your federal drug and alcohol testing program.