Random Drug Testing
Random Drug Testing Policies in the Workplace
Having a random drug test policy is considered one of the best tools employers have for deterring drug and alcohol use in the workplace. Employers randomly test employees for compliance with their corporate drug-free workplace policy. Typically, these employees are selected by an outside third-party administrator or a computer program. The random selection process gives an equal probability that any employee from a group of employees will be selected for a test. For example, if a client has eight individuals with a 50% random percentage for a year, then four individuals will get pulled for a random draw each year.
Benefits of Random Drug Testing
Commonly cited benefits of random drug testing policies include:
- Saves lives and prevents injuries
- Prevents employees from doing drugs in the first place, as workplace drug testing acts as a deterrent
- Reduces employer liability
- Creates a fair and equal drug testing system for all employees
- Helps employers identify workers with substance abuse problems and establishes proper treatment plans
Random testing is effective because it has the element of surprise. Although employees are aware that they might be tested, they’re not sure of exactly when, so random selections and testing should be performed at least quarterly. However, each company's policy differs, and some employers test more frequently than others.
However, random drug testing is ineffective if it does not meet best practices and achieve compliance with regulatory standards. Here are some recommended best practices that employers should consider when implementing a random drug and alcohol testing program.
Best Practices for Random Drug Testing
A true random selection will require employers to use a statistically random generator, which will ensure an equal probability of selection for individual screening for all employees.
Limiting the time between notifying an employee and the actual testing is important to reduce the possibility of the employee evading detection. The less time the employee has to prepare, the harder it is for them to cheat. The recommended amount of time between notification and testing should be the time it takes the employee to travel from the business to the testing facility. If a worker fails to arrive at the testing facility within the allotted time, it should be considered a refusal to test.
Employers and managers responsible for drug and alcohol testing notifications should stay up-to-date with the testing clinic’s hours and policies. For example, sending an employee for a random test with only 15 minutes before closing time could jeopardize the test.
It is essential to comply with state and federal requirements, as laws may vary from one jurisdiction to another. If an organization does not follow drug and alcohol testing regulations and remain compliant, they may face costly fines.
Testing needs will vary by industry, so it’s important to adjust your testing accordingly. DISA can accommodate various industry and policy testing windows, whether it’s by days, months, etc. For example, FMCSA allows for quarterly or monthly testing schedules, but with NASAP, you have a 9-day calendar window.
It’s important to maintain documentation throughout the entire testing process, as it will better protect your organization in the event of an audit or litigation brought by workers. If an employee is selected multiple times, he/she might question the random selection procedures and pursue legal action. Documentation will provide a record of all procedures and policies.
Random Drug Testing Policy
Commonly Asked Questions
FAQ's
- Why are some people randomly tested more than once?
- How are employees notified to report for a test?
- What happens if a selected employee is not available for testing?
- What does an employee need to do when notified of a random test?
- Maintaining and Evaluating Your Random Testing Program
In a truly random testing selection process, there’s a high probability that some employees will be selected several times while others might never be selected. Why? Because after each selection, all employees’ names are redistributed back into the same pool so that they are just as likely as everyone else to be selected for the next time.
Employees should be notified as discreetly as possible and according to your company policy. Only a select number of people should have access to the selection list to enforce confidentiality and maintain the element of surprise. Employers should follow best practices and procedures to ensure that the employee cannot receive advanced notice of selection. DISA offers customizable DER access, enabling specific privileges to certain users. For example, one user might have access to only order drug tests, while others can only view test results.
Policies must be in place for employers when an employee is unavailable for testing.
Best Practices: When an employee is unavailable during a random selection (extended absence, long-term illness, etc.) then the employee should document the reason, and can either choose to make another selection to fulfill the numbers or make an extra selection next cycle.*
If an employee is selected for random testing on his/her day off, he/she can be tested during his/her next shift within the same selection cycle.
*Note: Not all policies allow extra selections or backups, such as NASAP, which requires the company and employee to go red until the next pull.
Once an employee is notified, he/she must proceed immediately to the collection site. DOT regulations allow 30 minutes plus reasonable travel time.
To maintain best practice, an employer should keep documentation throughout the entire random testing process. This can include the numbers, employees’ names selected, the date and time of notification, reasons why a selected employee was not tested during a selection cycle, date and time of collection, and other pertinent information as required.
Explore DISA Services
Drug Testing Offerings
DOT Drug Testing
DISA helps safety-sensitive employers stay DOT compliant with expert drug testing services, including random testing, MRO review, and return-to-duty support.
Return To Duty (RTD) Drug Testing
Understand the Return-to-Duty (RTD) drug testing process after policy violations. Learn steps, SAP role, and follow-up requirements.
On-Site / Mobile Drug & Alcohol Testing
DISA’s mobile drug testing units reduce downtime and costs by bringing secure, compliant collections directly to your jobsite, 24/7/365.
Pre-Employment Drug Testing for Employers
Make smarter hiring decisions with pre-employment drug testing that improves safety, reduces risk, and ensures workplace compliance.
Medical Review Officer (MRO) Services
DISA’s certified MROs review drug test results to ensure compliance, protect employee rights, and validate the accuracy of non-negative test outcomes.
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Maintain Compliance with DOT Requirements
DISA Global Solutions provides efficient and easy solutions for a safer workplace and can help you maintain compliance with DOT requirements. For more information, call DISA at 281-730-5509 or contact us online below.
