QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ON DRUG TESTING PROCEDURES

Transcription

1 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ON DRUG TESTING PROCEDURES Q. WHAT IS THE NORTHWEST IRONWORKERS HEALTH AND SECURITY TRUST DRUG FREE WORKPLACE PROGRAM? A. The Northwest Ironworkers Employers Association, Ironworkers District Council of the Pacific Northwest, and its Affiliated Outside Local Unions #14, 29, and 86, are committed to establish a work environment where participants are free from the effects of drugs, alcohol, or other impairing substances. The Northwest Ironworkers Health and Security Trust Drug Free Workplace Program (DFW Program) is funded by a 10 cent per hour contribution by all Signatory Employers. The DFW Program was developed: to promote and protect the health and safety of Northwest Ironworkers and others who come into contact with the workplace(s) and property, and/or use its products and services; to increase safety by keeping your co-workers drug and/or alcohol free; to improve productivity by eliminating absences and mistakes due to drugs, alcohol and other impairing substances; to keep valuable employees instead of losing them to a drug problem; to provide and pay for the services and procedures needed to detect alcohol, drug, or other substance abuse; and to provide employee assistance and referral for counseling and/or medical treatment through the Northwest Ironworkers Health and Security Plan. The foundation of this Program is to offer a helping hand to participants who suffer from drug and alcohol problems, while clearly communicating that the abuse of drugs and alcohol in the workplace will not be tolerated. Q. WHEN DOES THE PROGRAM START? A. The DFW Program officially starts on July 1, Thereafter, all ironworkers dispatched to work, upon successful completion of a urinalysis test (UA) will be provided with a DFW Program ID Card.

2 Q. HOW DO I GET INTO THE PROGRAM? A. There are two ways to enter the program. Ironworkers who have a current employer-provided drug test card or documented proof of testing; i.e., collection site receipt and proof of a negative Test Result, less than six (6) months old, may be grandfathered into the Program by presenting the original documents to the union hall and being entered into the DFW Program card system. Upon approval of the presented documentation by the DFW Program Manager, the ironworker will be provided with a DFW Program ID Card. The card will have an expiration date of one (1) year from the test date. If eligible, the ironworker will also receive a $40.00 Wellness Check and be entered into the random test pool. (See Program Document, Sections 1.5. for eligibility requirements.) Ironworkers who haven t tested within the last six months or have no proof of testing can enter the program by presenting themselves to their union hall for entry into the DFW Program ID Card system and scheduling themselves for a urinalysis (UA.) The UA must be done at an approved collection site within twentyfour (24) hours of entering the DFW Program ID Card system. Upon verification of a Negative Test Result the ironworker will be issued a DFW Program ID Card with an expiration date of one (1) year from the date of test. If eligible, the ironworker will also receive a $40.00 Wellness Check and will be entered into the random test pool. (See Program Document, Section 1.5 for eligibility requirements.) Q. WHAT IS THE DFW PROGRAM ID CARD? A. The DFW Program ID Card is a card issued to eligible ironworkers that have passed the required drug and alcohol test with a Negative Test Result. The DFW Program ID Card contains the ironworker s name, program ID number, test date, expiration date and, at the ironworker s option, the ironworker s photo. DFW Program ID Cards with a photo are suitable for donor verification at collection sites. Ironworkers possessing DFW Program ID Cards without a photo will be required to present additional picture ID such as a driver s license, state ID Card, etc. in order to verify proper possession of the card. You should carry your DFW Program ID Card with you when on the job. Q. WILL I NEED TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED OFTEN? A. No. Your picture will be taken upon entry into the program and when there is a visible difference in your appearance as compared to your existing DFW Program ID Card.

3 Q. HOW OFTEN WILL I BE TESTED? A. You will be tested at least once a year. Each time you are tested you will receive a DFW Program ID Card with a new test date and expiration date. Q. HOW OFTEN WILL I BE RANDOM TESTED? A. You may be randomly selected by the DFW computer and tested a maximum of three (3) times per year, provided the results are negative. Each time you are tested you will receive a DFW Program ID Card with a new test date and expiration date. Q. WHAT HAPPENS IF I LOSE MY CARD? A. Lost or stolen cards are subject to a $10.00 reissue fee. Contact the Program Manager in writing if your card is lost or stolen. Include a check or money order for $10.00 with your request. Your new card will have the same test date and expiration date as your missing card. Q. FOR WHAT DRUGS AM I BEING TESTED? A. The initial and random test consists of a five-drug panel and alcohol UA. Test Level Units Amphetamines 1,000 ng/ml Cannabinoids 50 ng/ml Cocaine 300 ng/ml Ethanol 30 mg/dl Opiates 300 ng/ml Phencyclidine 25 ng/ml The for-cause and post-accident tests consist of a ten-drug panel and alcohol UA. The chemicals being tested for are: Test Level Units Amphetamines 1,000 ng/ml Barbiturates 300 ng/ml Benzodiazepine 300 ng/ml Cannabinoids 50 ng/ml Cocaine 300 ng/ml Ethanol 30 mg/dl Methadone 300 ng/ml Methaqualone 300 ng/ml Opiates 300 ng/ml Phencyclidine 25 ng/ml Propoxoyphine 300 ng/ml Q. WILL I RECEIVE A WELLNESS CHECK EVERY TIME I TEST? A. If you are a Covered Employee, exclusive of First-time Applicants and Non- Bargaining Employees, you will receive a $40.00 Wellness Check upon entering the system and producing a negative result on your UA or upon being grandfathered into the program.

4 You will receive a $40.00 Wellness Check for producing a negative result on your UA whenever you are selected for a random test or for retesting at the expiration of your current DFW Program card. (See Program Document, Section 2.4.) You will not receive a Wellness Check if you are a first time Applicant, Apprentice Applicant, Boomer or Permit Hand. (See Program Document, Section 1.5.) You will not receive a Wellness Check for producing positive, inconclusive, or adulterated Test Results on your UA. (See Program Document, Section 2.3.) You will not receive a Wellness Check if your employer tests you on company time; i.e., For-Cause Test or Post-Accident Test. (See Program Document, Section 2.2.) You will also not receive a Wellness Check for follow-up tests done after returning to work following a treatment or rehabilitation program prescribed by the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and at the recommendations of the EAP. (See Program Document, Section 2.5.) Q. HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED OF RANDOM TESTS? A. Each employer, local union or apprenticeship office has selected representatives that will receive notification from the DFW Program representative whenever you re selected for testing. Any employee who is notified to report for testing must do so within 24 hours of notification. Q. WHERE ARE DRUG TESTS CONDUCTED? A. At approved Collection Sites (Test Sites) as enclosed with this booklet. Periodically you and your Employer will receive updated information on collection sites. Q. WHAT IS THE TESTING PROCEDURE? A. Most test facilities require that you notify them of your intent to test. Once you re scheduled to test: Take your current DFW Program ID Card, and/or picture ID to the Collection Facility. At the Collective Facility you will complete the Chain of Custody form. Do not drink excessive amounts of fluid before the test. The collection sample is to be unobserved. Collection staff will perform initial testing of the specimen.

5 It is your responsibility to double check all paperwork and watch the lab assistant label and seal the bottle. Important (The Chain of Custody form Employee Copy (Green copy 5) must be returned to your employer to confirm that you reported to and submitted a sample at the collection site.) NOTE: YOU MAY NOT BE ALLOWED TO RETURN TO WORK UNLESS YOU SHOW PROOF THAT YOU TESTED. Q. WHAT IF I M OUT-OF-WORK OR ON VACATION WHEN I M SELECTED TO TEST? A. You are not required to test while you are unemployed or on vacation. However you will be required to test before you return to work. Q. WHAT IF I REFUSE TO TEST? A. Taking the test upon notification is mandatory. A refusal to test, or failure to appear for testing is treated like a positive test. The following is considered a refusal to test: Failure to appear for collection within the time limit. Refusal to sign the chain-of-custody forms. Engaging in conduct that clearly obstructs the testing process. Tampering or adulterating specimens. Refusal to test will result in termination of employment and your DFW Program ID Card will immediately become invalid. Q. HOW AM I NOTIFIED OF THE TEST RESULTS? A. If your Test Results are negative (pass) you will receive a DFW Program ID Card. The DFW Program ID Card will have your name, program number, last test date, expiration date and photo. If you are eligible, you will also receive a Wellness Check in the amount of $ (See Program Document, Section 1.5 for eligibility requirements.) Your DFW Program ID Card and Wellness Check will be mailed to you within five (5) business days from the date of receipt of a negative Test Result. Q. HOW IS MY EMPLOYER NOTIFIED OF MY TEST RESULTS? A. Test Results are confidential. Your employer representative will receive written notice from the DFW Program office stating that your Test Results were negative (pass), invalid, or positive (fail.) If your Test Results are positive, your employer representative will notify you, in a confidential manner, as soon as possible, by giving you a copy of the notice showing the result, consequences and options available to you.

6 Q. WHAT IF I FAIL THE TEST? A. The Program Manager, when notified by the test laboratory of a positive (fail), adulterated, or invalid (diluted) Test Result, will notify your Employer representative who will notify you, in a confidential manner, of the Test Results. You must contact the Medical Review Officer (MRO.) The MRO will make final determination on the positive Test Result and will notify the DFW Program office. If the MRO determines the results are truly positive, the employee will be referred to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP.) Q. WHAT IS A MEDICAL REVIEW OFFICER (MRO)? A. The MRO is a licensed physician and toxicologist who will conduct a telephone interview with you to verify your Test Results prior to notifying the DFW Program office. Failure to call the MRO within 48 hours of notification will result in a confirmation of the positive result. (See Program Document, Section 1.9 for more information.) Q. WHAT IS THE EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP?) A. The Health and Security Trust has contracted with an employee assistance program (EAP) to help covered employees and their families access the appropriate services to help them deal with drug, alcohol, and other non- DFW Program related problems. Employees experiencing drug and alcohol problems are encouraged to use the services provided before these problems affect their well-being and job site performance. (See Program Document, Section 3.3.) You must be eligible for benefits from the Health and Security Trust to receive EAP benefits. If you are not eligible, you are responsible for paying the cost of the EAP. The EAP will recommend appropriate education, counseling, or rehabilitation for the participant. Any participant who voluntarily requests assistance in dealing with a personal drug and/or alcohol problem may do so through the EAP without jeopardizing his or her employment. Q. HOW DO I GET REINSTATED IN THE DFW PROGRAM? A. You will not be allowed to return to good standing in the DFW Program until the Program Manager has received written confirmation from the EAP that you: Have been professionally assessed as needing no treatment or rehabilitation and may return to work; Have been professionally assessed and are currently making satisfactory progress in a treatment or rehabilitation program and may return to work; or Have successfully completed a professional treatment or rehabilitation program.

7 Q. CAN I APPEAL THE TEST RESULTS AND/OR TESTING PROCESS? A. Yes. You may request a review by the Board of Trustees. However, the Board generally only has authority to review claim denials, testing procedures or results, or recommended treatment. Other issues are generally under the jurisdiction of the bargaining parties. (See Program Document, Section 5.2 for procedure.)

8 SERVICE PROVIDERS Test Laboratory: Quest Diagnostics Laboratory 7470 Mission Valley Road San Diego, CA Medical Review Officer: WPCI Attn: Dr. Brown 1321 Broadway Scottsbluff, NE (P) (F) Employee Assistance Program: United Behavioral Health 425 Market Street 27 th Floor San Francisco, CA (P) Program Manager Frank Cusma P.O. Box Portland, OR (P) Ext. 12 (F)