Drug and Alcohol Testing


NTSB Turns Spotlight on Impaired Driving

A two-day forum involving the board members and numerous experts will explore the issues in depth.

Pennsylvania Bolsters Drug Enforcement Presence on Its Roads

Pennsylvania's latest effort to strengthen highway safety is the addition of 20 officers -- 13 state troopers and seven municipal police officers – who recently were trained as drug recognition experts, State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan announced May 7.

WV Substance Abuse Bill Signed Into Law

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin signed Senate Bill 437 into law, establishing a statewide database to record new prescriptions within 24 hours of being dropped off. He signed a new mine safety law days earlier.

Summit to Unite Congressional, Federal Anti-Drug Leaders

Four members of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse are scheduled to participate in this month's National Prescription Drug Abuse Summit in Orlando, Fla.

February 'Move Over' Enforcement Cited 1,266 Florida Drivers

The 29-day campaign stressed moving over one lane or slowing to 20 mph below the speed limit when approaching any emergency vehicle stopped on the side of the road.

Navy Secretary Announces Major Alcohol Testing Program

The 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative includes breathalyzer tests, both randomly and upon reporting for duty. Secretary Ray Mabus also said the Navy will begin random testing of urine samples this month for Spice and other synthetic drugs.

Mine Safety Bill Nears Passage in West Virginia

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin thanked members of the House of Delegates for unanimously passing it Feb. 28 and said he hopes for quick State Senate passage. Its most controversial provisions concern drug testing of miners.

Advisory Reminds Pipeline Operators About Post-Incident Testing

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued the new bulletin in response to NTSB's report on the San Bruno, Calif., explosion.



Marijuana Use Doubles Risk of Car Crash, Study Says

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance globally and recent statistics have shown a significant increase in use across the world. Rates of driving under influence have also increased, the paper said.

Several Kentucky Bills Target Prescription Drug Abuse

Legislative leaders and Gov. Steve Beshear offered their support Feb. 6 of bills to expand KASPER –- the Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting system -– and to strengthen oversight of pain management clinics.

Oral Fluids Coming to Mandatory Guidelines

DATIA has posted the memo approved on Jan. 26, 2012, by Pamela S. Hyde, SAMHSA’s administrator.

A New Challenge for Drug-Free Workplace Programs

Current drug testing programs, following the lead of federal programs, do not identify most nonmedical prescription and synthetic drug use.

Serving Up Safe Driving Tips for Super Bowl Sunday

The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety and allied organizations are urging football fans to choose a sober designated driver in advance if they plan to drink alcohol while watching Sunday’s game.

EU Recalls: Key Ring Breath Alcohol Tester, Chainsaw, Etc.

The Jan. 20 bulletin from the RAPEX rapid alert system contained more than the normal number of substandard electrical appliances, but these two products were the highlights.

Coast Guard Weighing Drug/Alcohol Testing Changes

It seeks comments by March 20 on possibly requiring crewmembers who are selected for testing to report immediately to the testing site upon being notified and also requiring marine employers to report failed drug tests by non-credentialed mariners.

Holiday Drunk Driving Arrests Rise in UK

Figures released by ACPO show that 7,124 drivers were arrested during the drink-drive crackdown that ran across England and Wales from Dec. 1, 2011, until Jan. 1, 2012.

DATIA Launches International Standards Program

"This has been a serious problem for organizations operating outside the United States who want to ensure their workplace is drug free by testing applicants and employees," said Patricio Labatut and Brian Drew, co-chairmen of the association's International Committee.

Hair Testing Company Wins FDA 510(k) Clearance

Omega Laboratories, Inc. announced it has become the first laboratory to receive clearance for its Extended Opiates Test, which detects the use of Oxycodone and Hydrocodone. The clearance included the test for codeine, morphine, and heroin.

SAMHSA Funds Substance Abuse Center in Baghdad

The $770,000 grant to UCLA actually comes from the State Department under an interagency agreement. The center will be established at the Medical City Complex.

CDC: 112 Million Drunk Driving Incidents in 2010

Young men, ages 21–34, made up only 11 percent of the U.S. population in 2010, yet were responsible for 32 percent of all episodes of drinking and driving.

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Upcoming Webinars

5/24: It's Not Just the SAMHSA 5 Anymore: K2/Spice, Bath Salts and Emerging Drug Trends
Which drugs should employers test for? Synthetic drugs like K2 and Spice, as well as seemingly harmless products like Bath Salts, have become as popular as the illegal drugs they try to mimic. These questions and more will be explored in this enlightening webinar.

5/30: An Introduction to Machine Safety
A common sense look at the regulatory framework of machine safety, best practices and practical solutions to ensuring a safe machine and workplace.

5/31: IAQ is Critical to Earning LEED Points, Green Building and a Healthy Workplace
This is an informative webinar on the role of high performance buildings in workplace health and safety.

6/14: OHSAS Guidance for Small Businesses: Protect and Grow Your Business
OHSAS 18001:2007 Certification offers more than just a globally recognized Health and Safety System. It can also help your business.

6/27: The Different Forms of Machine Safeguarding and When to Use Them
Some of the topics include: the different forms of safeguarding and when to use them. Safety devices to be reviewed may include: interlocking devices, light curtains, safety mats, safety scanners, two hand control units, and safety strips.

Spotlight

For May, OH&S puts the spotlight on: