Drug Testing Questions Most Frequently Asked
1) Question: Can an employer use the current
drug testing program instead of the IMPACT Substance Abuse program after January 1, 2008?
Answer: Yes, if the employer implemented the current program prior to January 1, 2008.
2) Question: What is the effective date
for the implementation of the new IMPACT Substance Abuse Program?
Answer:
1/1/08 Voluntary
1/1/09 Mandatory
3) Question: If an employer elects to implement
the IMPACT Substance Abuse Program after January 1, 2008, how long will their employees have to take the “initial test”?
Answer: 45 Days
4) Question: Are the employers required to
notify anyone if they elect to implement the IMPACT Substance Abuse Program?
Answer: Yes, written
notice shall be addressed to the applicable Local Union and shall be delivered in person or by registered mail before implementing
the program. A copy of said notice shall be sent to the District Council office, the California Field Ironworker Employers
Council (CIEC), and the Mobile Medical Corporation. (Sample letter and addresses attached)
5) Question: Does the IMPACT Substance Abuse
Program pay for the initial testing, random testing, post accident testing, for cause testing, accelerated random testing,
and annual testing cost?
Answer:
Yes
6) Question: Does the IMPACT Substance Abuse
Program allow and pay for “onsite quick - saliva swab” tests?
Answer:
Yes, for post accident and probable cause incidents, followed by a GC/MS lab test confirmation.
7) Question: Are employers required to complete
any training sessions to access and use the IMPACT Substance Abuse Program?
Answer: Yes, they must attend sessions which are provided by Mobile Medical Corp.
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8) Question: Does IMPACT provide special training
for “supervisors” who may request “for cause” testing?
Answer:
Yes, training will be provided through IMPACT by Alliance Work Partners.
9) Question: Can employers have more than one
person designated as a “supervisor” to request “for cause” testing?
Answer:
Yes
10) Question: During the start up period in
2008, can employers electing to participate in the IMPACT drug testing request local unions to dispatch only workers in the
IMPACT eligibility database pool?
Answer: Yes
11) Question: On January 1, 2009, can local
unions dispatch only workers who are identified in the IMPACT eligibility database pool?
Answer: Yes
12) Question: Are probationary ironworkers
subject to the same drug and alcohol testing requirements?
Answer: Yes
13) Question: If an employee tests positive
and he/she does not have enough work-hours to qualify for an “employee assistance program” how will that
person be handled?
Answer:
Employee pays for himself/herself, or attends an available free program.
14) Question: When is the employer required
to pay a $35 stipend to their employees?
Answer: An employer
is required to pay a stipend only when an employee on their payroll takes a random or annual test. The initial
test is not considered an annual test and therefore no $35 stipend is required.
15) Question: Will employers be audited
to verify that all employees are in the eligibility database pool?
Answer:
Yes
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16) Question: Will apprentices and probationary ironworkers
be required to take an “initial test” under the IMPACT Program after January 1, 2008?
Answer:
Yes
17) Question: When apprentices and probationary ironworkers
submit their applications are they immediately directed to take a drug test at that time? How much time do
they have to take the test? One day, 4 hours after directed to take a test?
Answer:
24 hours
18) Question: If a worker either
refuses or neglects to take a “post accident test” are they “positive and ineligible?
Answer:
Yes
19) Question: What is the time limit
for employees to provide a “post accident test”?
Answer:
30 hours
