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The Department of Transportation, or DOT for short, is in charge of regulating and managing transportation. Therefore, there are strict rules and regulations that people who are employed in safety-sensitivity duty in that department must follow, which includes taking a DOT drug test. Here is everything that you need to know about refusing a DOT drug test and what you can do if you refuse to do so.
what happens if I refuse a DOT drug test?
Safety-sensitive DOT employees, whether pre-employed or currently employed, will get asked to take an alcohol and/or drug test. That way, they will know if the employee or candidate is drug and/or alcohol-free, which means it will be safe to let them continue their job since drugs and alcohol could put other people and the employee at risk.
However, some employees may feel that taking the test would be unfair. They may feel like they are being outed randomly, especially if they are the only one being asked to take a test. However, they may be asked to take the test because of suspicious activity or recent activity. If you refuse the test, you may be required to take it because it can put you under more suspicion for refusing to take one.
Is it the Same As Getting a Positive Result on a DOT Drug Test?
You face the same consequences of failing a drug test if you were to refuse to take a test. The employer would remove you from doing safety-sensitivity duties immediately. There is a company policy where your employer may give you a second shot or terminate you. However, if they choose to give you another chance, you will have to follow and complete the DOT Return-to-Duty process.
What Would Be Considered Refusing a Test?
There are many things that could be considered as a refusal to take a test. For instance, not showing up to do the test when it was requested by your employer will be included. Not cooperating during the DOT drug/alcohol test, not giving urine when asked, leaving the place where the specimen is being collected before completed, tampering with the specimen collection, etc. Are all considered refusing a DOT drug/alcohol test.
How Can I Work Again After I Refuse the DOT Drug Test?
An employer may decide to put you on the DOT Return-to-Duty process if they want to give you another chance to work again, but will remove you from duty first. An SAP, such as the American Substance Abuse Professionals, may be asked to evaluate the employee who failed/refused to take an alcohol/drug test. The SAP from DOT SAP services may give treatment/education suggestions for them to follow. They may still have follow-up tests and aftercare for the employee when they return to work to ensure that they do not lose their progress. If they get a positive test result after being tested again, they may have to restart the process.
Refusing to take a DOT drug/alcohol test will have the same consequences as getting a positive result. Luckily, there are still ways to get back to work thanks to SAP referral services.
Are you wondering what happens if I refuse a DOT drug test? Our team of experts at the American Substance Abuse Professionals can guide you. Contact us today!
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