Industry News

Drug and Alcohol Testing

November 20, 2020

Day with DISA 2020 offered attendees a chance to learn more about the ever-changing marijuana laws that vary state-by-state. Hosted by DISA Global Solutions, this virtual drug testing symposium helped employers get expert advice on building a drug testing policy that fits the needs of their workplace while also abiding by state laws. Faye Caldwell, attorney at law and managing partner at Caldwell Everson PLLC, presented “Marijuana: Laws and Strategies” that discussed the recent changes following the 2020 election and how we’re beginning to see a shift towards the legalization of marijuana across the U.S.

Transportation Compliance

November 18, 2020

As of November 17, 2020, the FMCSA rules that Washington state’s Meal and Rest Break (MRB) rules are preempted pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 31141 as applied to passenger-carrying commercial motor vehicle drivers subject to FMCSA's hours of service regulations. This was granted after a petition was filed last year by the Washington Trucking Association (WTA) claiming that Washington’s rules were similar to those of California’s, which the FMCSA determined were preempted under federal HOS rules in 2018.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

November 12, 2020

As the pandemic continues, so do changes to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) guidelines and regulations. In March, the DOT issued guidelines on drug and alcohol testing but has since then made adjustments to the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) guidelines due to the continuously fluctuating workforce and operational disruptions that the pandemic has caused. COVID-19 has made it challenging for employers to meet minimum random drug and alcohol testing requirements under several circumstances. Although they have made more accommodating changes, random drug and alcohol testing is still required.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

November 06, 2020

On Tuesday, November 4, 2020, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize the possession of hard drugs, including heroin, methamphetamine, LSD, and Oxycodone. Individuals will be given the option of paying a $100 fine or attending an established addiction treatment program funded by Oregon’s legalized, regulated marijuana industry. Measure 110 does NOT legalize hard drugs but rather reduces possession to a non-criminal offense.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

October 22, 2020

As the COVID-19 pandemic takes center stage, crises such as the amphetamine epidemic only continue to worsen as they go unnoticed. Before the pandemic, amphetamines were already on the rise, and with added stress, anxiety, and fear, drug test positivity rates are now soaring. The pandemic has exacerbated conditions that lead people to self-medicate to help cope with the emotions that come along with unemployment, financial and health issues, and lockdowns. In addition, some individuals refrained from seeking treatment centers out of fear of contracting the virus. Others had trouble finding facilities that were open, as they limited services or closed. As we face one pandemic, employers need to anticipate the worsening amphetamine epidemic and prepare their workplace drug testing programs now before it’s too late.

Company Announcements

October 02, 2020

DISA Global Solutions is 34 years old! Throughout the years, DISA has excelled in the employment screening industry. Each year we expand our reach and scope of services while enhancing our overall customer experience. Each year DISA takes on new and exciting endeavors, adding to our suite of products and services, and 2020 was no exception with new integrations to SambaSafety and the launch of Continuous Driver Monitoring. Although we faced many challenges due to COVID-19, DISA has stood tall in the face of adversity, adapted to the “new normal,” and continued helping our customers build a culture of safety in their workplace.

Transportation Compliance

September 30, 2020

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has rolled out new Hours of Service (HOS) rules, effective September 29, 2020. These new changes will allow for greater flexibility for drivers without affecting safety measures. HOS refers to the amount of time drivers are allowed to drive by regulating hours and resting periods to enhance safety while on the road by preventing driver fatigue. In addition, HOS rules implement specific regulations on rest breaks, consecutive hours driving, off-duty time, meals, and sleeping.