Maritime Random Drug Testing Rate Remains 50 Percent
The Coast Guard published the 2011 testing rate Monday. If maritime employers had recorded an overall positive rate below 1.0 percent for two consecutive years, it could have been lowered.
As in 2010, the minimum random drug testing rate for covered maritime industry workers will be 50 percent this year. The U.S. Coast Guard published that rate Monday. The rate can be reduced if maritime employers record an overall positive rate on their tests below 1.0 percent for two consecutive years, but that did not happen.
The Coast Guard said the 2009 reported data indicate the industry-wide positive rate was 1.03 percent. Drug testing is done according to 46 CFR 16.230.
Maritime employers will submit their 2010 Management Information System reports of test results to the Coast Guard commandant in Washington, D.C., by March 15, 2011.
In another notice published Monday, U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis announced that OSHA's Maritime Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (MACOSH) is being continued.