CLEVELAND, December 26 — The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced random rail worker drug and alcohol testing rates for calendar year 2008.
According to the Federal mandate, a minimum of 25 percent of rail workers will be subject to random drug testing. In addition, a minimum of 10 percent will be subject to random alcohol testing.
The Federal Railroad Administration sets the number each year based on test results of the previous 12 months. The more positive tests the FRA finds, the higher the percentage of workers tested. The reverse is also true — the percentage of workers tested decreases when fewer positives tests are found.
The 2008 rates for drug and alcohol testing are the same as 2007.
Members who have issues can seek help through Employee Assistance Programs and Operation Redblock. The BLET also advises its members that many railroads have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to reporting to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In many cases, a positive test result will result in being placed out of service.