DISA’s Most Impactful Articles of 2021

As an industry leader, DISA Global Solutions prioritizes spreading the word on the latest industry trends, news, updates, and more. Our informative articles help employers stay on top of regulatory changes, new laws, and best practices. As we remain focused on providing solutions to a safe workplace, let’s look back at some of our most impactful articles of 2021.

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged workplace safety goals. With widespread opioid addiction concerns and amphetamine use already on the rise prior to the pandemic, employers are now seeing substantially increased drug test positivity rates. When analyzing drug testing positivity rates from DISA Global Solutions, random drug testing positivity rates spiked as much as 145% year-over-year during the pandemic. Learn how employers are protecting their workplace: Drug Testing Positivity Rates Nearly Double During COVID-19 Pandemic

Collection sites don’t always provide an extensive description of the reasoning behind drug test refusals, leaving Designated Employer Representatives (DERs) with very little information to make an accurate determination. By following DOT guidelines, expert advice, and best practices when documenting refusals, DERs will obtain a more thorough explanation helping to solidify the most accurate determination for a refusal ruling. Learn more about record keeping expectations: Documenting Refusals for an Accurate Determination

Maintaining compliance with state and federal laws while also navigating the complexities of custom drug testing services can be difficult. It’s important to understand exactly how drug testing works to efficiently build a drug testing program that meets the standards necessary to ensure a safe workplace. Learn more about which drug testing is right for you: The Difference Between Instant Vs. Lab-Based Drug Testing

2021 corporate drug testing positivity rates are skyrocketing! A study from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Inc. (NCADD) estimates that drug abuse costs employers $81 billion annually, and 75% of the estimated 14.8 million Americans who use illegal drugs are employed. Learn more about how employers are readdressing their companies' policies and procedures: 1 out of every 29 corporate employees are failing their random drug tests in 2021

On April 28, 2021, Mayor Jim Kenney of Philadelphia, PA, signed (the Ordinance) into law, effectively prohibiting pre-employment marijuana testing within city limits. As marijuana laws continue to change, employers must remain vigilant of changes in drug testing practices to remain compliant. Learn more about how this impacts employers' drug testing policies: Philadelphia Prohibits Pre-Employment Drug Testing for Marijuana

On May 13, 2021, our very own Steven Spencer, General Manager of DISA Transportation Compliance, partnered with Dan Horvath, Vice President of Safety Policy at ATA, to give a comprehensive overview of the recent updates in the transportation industry. The presentation covered changes made due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) and Hours of Service (HOS) updates, drug and alcohol testing, entry-level drivers, and more! Get more information on regulation changes here: 2021 ATA Safety Regulatory Update

The Department of Transportation (DOT) recently made two key changes to DOT-regulated Custody and Control Forms (CCF), which is pertinent to those using paper forms. Failure to transition to the new form may result in tests being rejected. Find out what changes you need to make: DOT-Regulated CCF Changes You Need to Be Aware Of

Businesses regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) file. DQ files contain a variety of documents which are regulated under federal rule 391, and employers must maintain one for all interstate drivers who operate a vehicle weighing more than 10,001 pounds. Learn about what’s in a DQ file and how you can maintain them for your employees: What's in a DQ File?

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a final rule allowing the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to fine drivers, carriers, and Medical Review Officers (MROs) up to $5,833 for each violation of the drug and alcohol clearinghouse at 49 CFR part 382 subpart G. As regulations and rules continue to change, it’s increasingly difficult for employers to keep up. Learn how DISA’s Transportation Compliance (DTC) team can help you maintain compliance with the Clearinghouse: DOT Increases Fines for Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Requirements

A California Court of Appeal has issued a ruling that has resulted in California courts prohibiting the use of dates of birth, driver license numbers, and other identifiers to filter online search results. By redacting date of births from the California court system’s terminal, it makes it more difficult to perform background checks. Find out how this impacts your background check policies: California Redacts Date of Birth Searches on Background Checks

When one shares the same name as others, they might be automatically associated with someone who committed a crime or fails to meet the requirements of a position. DISA’s Financial Investigative Services (FIS) uncovers the importance of a vigilant background screener in their case study to ensure that you’re finding the correct match to a person’s name. Find out how a financial due diligence search can protect your company: Will the Real Will Smith Please Stand Up?

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented new and unique challenges to all sectors of the business community, including public record research. DISA’s Financial Investigative Services (FIS) overcame pandemic challenges even with certain jurisdictions offering limited access or closing altogether. Learn how they overcame pandemic challenges using direct courthouse research: DISA Financial Investigative Services Ensures Access and Accuracy Amid COVID-19 Challenges

The Social Security Administration has updated their Consent Based Social Security Number Verification (CBSV) form (SSA-89) from the 2018 version to the 2020 version. After September 30, 2021, only the new forms have been accepted. Ensure your forms are up to date: CBSV Consent Form Deadline Quickly Approaching

DISA can help! Get answers directly from DISA’s subject matter experts with ‘Ask DISA’

Visit www.askdisa.com to ask your questions today.

Founded in 1986, DISA is the industry-leading provider of employee screening and compliance services. Headquartered in Houston, with more than 35 offices throughout the U.S. and Canada, DISA’s comprehensive scope of services includes drug and alcohol testing, background check, occupational health, and transportation compliance. DISA assists employers in making informed staffing decisions while building a culture of safety in their workplace.