Various federal industries employ what are known as safety-sensitive roles. These positions require DOT drug testing, a safety-specific screening process regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT).  

Let’s take a look at which safety-sensitive roles require DOT drug testing. That way, we can better understand the protocols of federally-regulated industries.

Which Safety-Sensitive Roles Receive a DOT Drug Test? 

The DOT drug test is a process that evaluates the employee’s vision, coordination, focus, hearing, and function. Moreover, safety-sensitive positions require the employee’s senses to be high-functioning and alert to protect both personal and public safety. Additionally, the DOT drug test ensures these sensory functions are not compromised while on the job. 

Here are the various safety-sensitive roles that require DOT drug testing. 

• Federal Aviation Administration: The Federal Aviation Administration requires all flight crews, attendants, ground security coordinators, and aircraft dispatchers to complete DOT drug testing.

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: Federal Motor Carrier Administration employees that hold and operate commercial vehicles, public transportation, or transport hazardous materials must carry a DOT placard.

• Federal Railroad Administration: Federal Railroad Administration engine and train operators, signal operators, dispatchers, or hours of service act personnel must be DOT drug tested. 

• Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration: Operators, maintenance, service workers, or emergency response personnel at the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration must be DOT drug tested. 

• U.S. Coast Guard: U.S. Coast Guard employees operating commercial vessels are required to complete DOT drug testing. 
• Federal Transit Administration: Mechanics, operators, controllers, and armed security working for the Federal Transit Administration must complete DOT drug testing. 

Above are some examples of administrations that are considered branches of the Department of Transportation.

Ultimately, DOT drug testing protocols have been incorporated into these administrations to ensure public and personal transportation safety. 

Additional Organizations that Require DOT Drug Testing

Additional industries outside of the Department of Transportation require safety-sensitive service and sobriety in the workplace. The following industries may include the following: 

• Government Industries
• Healthcare and Hospitals
• Construction Fields
• Education
• Security
• Information Technology
• Aerospace and Defense

Overall, these are just a few industries that utilize Department of Transportation drug screening protocols to ensure personal and public safety. 

Locating DOT Drug Testing Near Me

All in all, locating a drug screening facility has the potential to create safety in your personal or professional environment. Therefore, whether you own a business or you’re looking for personal drug screenings, searching online for “DOT drug testing near me” is easy. 

Simply enter your search online to locate your nearest drug screening facility. Likewise, discover local retailers that sell over-the-counter drug tests. Ultimately, both options can ease your journey in creating a drug-free workplace or home. 

What Does the DOT Drug Test Check For?

The DOT drug screening checks for a variety of function-disrupting drugs. Also, these drugs can potentially impair safety-sensitive employees while on the job. Therefore, it’s important for employers to be aware of the following function-disrupting drugs:

• Marijuana/THC
• Cocaine 
• Amphetamines such as methamphetamine and MDMA
• Opioids including codeine, heroin, morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, hydromorphone, and oxymorphone
• Phencyclidine, also known as PCP

These are commonly used drugs that are in the screening of a DOT drug test. Also, all of the substances have the potential to compromise public and personal safety when misused. Moreover, screening for drugs as pre or post-hire protocol lowers the risk of serious or life-threatening occurrences in the workplace. 

Create a Drug-Free Workplace With Soteria Drug Screening 

If you’re seeking higher standards for your business, drug testing is a powerful tool for all industries. Soteria Drug Screening offers a multi-facility, quality drug screening lab to ensure your professional environment meets the highest safety standards.

Therefore, to improve the success of your business, contact Soteria Drug Screening today. Find out how their services can support your professional workplace.