DOT Reinstates Observed Urination Drug Testing Rule for Safety-Sensitive Positions
Yesterday the Department of Transportation (DOT) reinstated its rule that employers must conduct observed urination drug testing for all return-to-duty and follow-up tests for transportation workers in safety-sensitive positions. The new regulations will apply to workers in safety-sensitive positions in the aviation, motor carrier, rail, transit, maritime, and pipeline industries. Click here to read the DOT rule, which will take effect August 31.
This rule isn't new; as noted by the World of Work, the DOT issued the same rule a year ago. However, the D.C. Court of Appeals stayed implementation of the new rule until July 1 of this year, when it held that the rule was neither arbitrary nor capricious and did not violate employees' Fourth Amendment rights. Click here to read the court's decision in BNSF Railway Co. v. U.S. Department of Transportation.
Why the need for such strict scrutiny? According to the rule, observation is necessary "to allow the observer to check the individual for prosthetic or other cheating devices." Seriously. Such things do exist. The most famous is the Whizzinator, used by celebrities including actor Tom Sizemore. Now there's an endorsement. If you have employees that are subject to the new rule, just hope they don't suffer from shy bladder syndrome, or things are going to get really complicated.
New DOT Regulation Requires Expanded Observed Urination in Drug Testing
Effective August 25, 2008, the Department of Transportation will require transportation workers who previously tested positive for prohibited drugs to give urine specimens while being watched by specimen collectors. The new regulations will apply to workers in safety-sensitive positions in the aviation, motor carrier, rail, transit, maritime, and pipeline industries.
Under current regulations, only workers suspected of tampering with their specimens are required to provide samples while being watched. However, the DOT is concerned that a "various mechanical devices are now readily available to individuals who want to adulterate or substitute their urine specimen during a drug testing collection." The new regulations require an employee giving the sample to raise his shirt, lower his pants and turn around to show the observer that he is not using a "prosthetic device."
"Prosthetic device?" Think we're joking? Guess again.
