REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
December 17, 2015
FROM: JEFF CARDELL, Director
Personnel Services Department
BY: MIKE PAYNE, Risk Manager
Personnel Services Department
SUBJECT
Title
Approve the updated Controlled Substances and Alcohol Testing Policies for Safety-Sensitive Employees/Individuals Subject to the Federal Transit Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that Council approve the updated Controlled Substances and Alcohol Testing Policies for Safety-Sensitive Employees Subject to the Federal Transit Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations to ensure compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol testing regulations.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On September 1, 2015, the DOT performed a compliance audit of the City's Federal Transit Authority (FTA) drug & alcohol program. As a result, it was recommended that the City of Fresno modify certain language within the current FTA and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) drug and alcohol policies and procedures to clarify current practices and fully comply with current DOT standards. The modified policies have been reviewed & approved by the DOT auditors. In addition, notice was provided to the affected bargaining units of the changes in the respective policies.
BACKGROUND
The DOT requires the implementation of policies designed to prevent accidents and injuries resulting from the misuse of alcohol or controlled substances by drivers of commercial and transit vehicles. In addition, such policies are required to be implemented by employers that receive financial assistance from the FTA and by contractors of those employers for employees who perform safety- sensitive functions. The DOT has implemented several changes concerning alcohol and drug testing of safety-sensitive employees. In general, safety-sensitive employees i...
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