Industry – Med Way Onsite Health Solutions, Inc

Wind and Solar (Energy)

The wind and solar energy generation industries provide power to other industries and the general public. The employees of such industries are responsible for the safe operation of infrastructure worth billions of dollars. Also, the errors in such industries can cause injuries, accidents, reduced employee morale, and fatal accidents. To prevent such hazards, the employees should be in sound mind always. However, the problem of drug and alcohol abuse in the energy generation and utility industry is quite a massive problem. To prevent such problems the wind and solar energy generation companies are implementing various drug-free workplace policies. MedWay Onsite Health Solutions (OHS) has helped several clients in the wind and solar energy generation industries to design and implement Drug-Free Workplace policies and increase their productivity, and reduce workplace accidents.

Drug Abuse Statistics in Wind and Solar Energy Industry

The following statistics suggest the rampant use of drugs and alcohol in the energy and utility industry. These figures are taken from different federal surveys conducted over the years.

Nearly 24% of employees reporting to work are under the influence of alcohol and it leads to a reduction in productivity.
Consumption of alcohol or drugs increases the frequency of workplace accidents and injuries by 2.7 times.
Nearly 35% of workplace injuries are caused under influence of drugs and alcohol.

Risks of Drug Abuse in Wind and Solar Energy Industry

Drug and alcohol abuse is one of the key concerns in the energy and utility industry and is one of the expensive problems in terms of money, productivity, physical injuries, and so on. The following are a few risks associated with illicit drug and alcohol use at workplaces:

Slips and falls
Accidents and injuries
Loss of productive hours
Electrocution
Exposure to radioactive materials
Increased absenteeism
Poor decision making and judgment
Aggressive and argumentative with workers
Careless handling of work equipment
Depression and suicidal tendencies

Employers are conducting drug screening to minimize the fatalities of these risks. At MedWay OHS, we help them to screen employees for drug and alcohol consumption at various phases of employment. Our following services have been best utilized by some of our clients to build safe and drug-free workplaces.

Pre-employment drug testing: This type of testing is conducted on qualified candidates for signs of drug and alcohol drug abuse.
Random drug testing: We usually perform this drug testing on short notice. These tests are usually conducted by employers to discourage people from involving in drugs.
Post-incident drug testing: As the name suggests, this type of testing is requested by employers usually after a workplace accident to analyze if alcohol or drug abuse has been one of the reasons for the accident.
Reasonable suspicion drug testing: This type of testing is usually requested by employers if there is some raised suspicion on certain employees. Suspicions raised by employers and colleagues forms the basis of this type of testing.

Types of Drug Tests offered by MedWay OHS

The Federal government mandates the energy industries to test for illicit drugs under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA). We offer the following drug testing services to check for the influence of such illicit drugs.

Urine Drug Test: In this testing, the presence of drugs is detected using a urine sample. This test generally offers 30 days of detection window, however, it differs based on the type of drug consumed, hydration, metabolic activity, etc. This urine drug test is suitable for the post-incident drug test, on-field test for drug influence as a precautionary measure. It can detect various drugs.
Saliva Drug Test: This test is commonly used for instant result tests. It offers 72 hours of detection window. This saliva drug test is suitable for random drug tests performed under Drug-free Workplace Policy.
Hair Follicle Drug Test: This drug testing helps identify prolonged drug use. The hair follicle test is suitable for testing drug consumption throughout the recruitment process. The detection window for this type of testing is up to 90 days and it can identify traces of drugs embedded in hair follicles.

Of these, saliva and hair follicle drug tests are difficult to cheat because the samples are directly collected by our experts.

Why Work With MedWay OHS?

MedWay OHS has been one of the most reliable choices for workplace drug screening. The following capabilities make us stand out.

We act as third-party administrators (TPA) and offer comprehensive alcohol and drug testing services.
As a DOT certified third-party administrator (TPA), we maintain complete transparency and authenticity in specimen collection and drug testing results.
We maintain the alcohol and drug testing records according to FMCSA guidelines.

Transportation

Transportation is one of those safety sensitive sectors, wherein it is crucial to check the health condition of the drivers and associated staff. Also, it is utmost important to ensure they are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, especially when on duty as that can lead to disasters. Most transportation companies conduct DOT-certified drug and alcohol tests to ensure safety and prevent accidents. MedWay Onsite Health Services (OHS) conducts various drug tests for the transportation sector based on the requirements of the employer. We conduct DOT certified tests. These may be random tests, pre-employment, based on suspicion, or after an accident. This has helped our clients to build drug- and alcohol-free workplaces. The US Department of Transportation has issued strict regulation in the hiring process for the transportation sector. Our drug and alcohol testing services help transportation companies meet the guidelines of drug and alcohol testing under DOT.

Risks of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in the Transportation Industry

Driving for long hours is a professional hazard, and most drivers find it stressful over time. This is the first step that leads to consuming alcohol and drugs, and that is disastrous. So, DOT-based guidelines regarding the hiring process are quite stringent as a wrong hire can lead mishaps, theft, reduced productivity, and subsequent loss of business. Another issue in the transportation sector is the high employee turnover rate, and stress is one of the reasons for this. Even with the best hires, the background screening process can be lengthy. This is another factor which drives away prospective hires. All said and done, the risk factors in this industry need to be curbed and MedWay contributes to the same through its drug and alcohol testing. Here are some of the risk factors involved.

As mentioned, stress management is a crucial aspect, and if the employee cannot handle it, they may take to drugs and alcohol.
This job is mentally and physically challenging, which increases the possibility of accidents as well as substance abuse to get a temporary high.
If a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, that may reflect adversely in their behavior making them cranky or even uncontrollable at times. They may have a slur speech and not be entirely in their senses. At other times, they may become aggressive and harm others around them.
The specific skills of drivers with a good driving experience cannot be compromised upon when hiring, and the same applies to their fitness levels. Still, it is essential to figure out if the driver is clean at all times when on duty.

Tests We Offer

The Department of Transportation (DOT) recommends mandatory testing for some of the commonly used drugs. Medway OHS offers various the drug tests in this regard:

Pre-employment Drug Testing: As mentioned, the hiring process in this sector is challenging for various reasons. So, good prospective hires with a decent driving record are tested quickly for drug and alcohol consumption as mandated by DOT. We take hair strands as a sample to perform this type of testing on all the selected candidates.
Random Drug Testing: This is essential as it keeps the employees alert at all times and prompts them to stay away from drugs due to the fear of testing positive. We recommend this test to all employers in this sector as these tests are conducted at a very short notice. It is not easy for employees to cheat or get away with anything, with this random testing. Usually urine sample is preferred for this test; however, we ensure our technicians are present when conducting the test outside specially allocated washrooms.
Post-incident Drug Testing: The possibility of accidents is always there in the transportation sector. So, if a mishap occurs, it is crucial to check the victim for drug and alcohol abuse. Unfortunately, there are several DUIs issued through the year across the US. So, DOT mandates employers to conduct drug and alcohol tests to rule out this possibility. This test is done to check if the person has consumed drugs and it also determines the types of drugs. It is done within 36 hours of the mishap, and mostly through saliva.

Different Types of Drug Tests Offered by MedWay OHS

At MedWay OHS, we conduct drug tests by taking samples of urine, hair follicles, and saliva for employees in the transportation sector.

Hair follicle drug testing: Drug traces can be found in hair and grow along with them. So, this test has a large window of up to 90 days. A person cannot remove these traces from the hair, and hence it is difficult to manipulate with the output.
Saliva Drug Testing: Saliva as a source of drug testing sample offers accurate results. However, it has a short window of up to 72 hours, and hence needs to be done immediately or on the spot. Here also, it is impossible for anyone to cheat.
Urine drug testing: While this is a widely used sample, employees can cheat here. However, our technicians are trained to prevent any such manipulation. Urine can sometimes be mixed with various bodily fluids, water, and so on, which may influence the result. It has a detection window of up to 30 days.

Contact Us

MedWay OHS helps many companies in the transportation sector to create a clean and safe working environment and curb the drug menace among employees. We offer a chance for the employees to reform based on the situation and legal advice, and prompt them to be honest and open about these issues. If you have any questions regarding our drug testing services or need to make an enquiry, you can reach us on phone or email.

Manufacturing

The manufacturing industry is one of the fastest-growing, yet competitive industrial sectors. Increasing utilization of heavy-duty equipment and exposure to high production pressure are some challenges faced in this industry. Although largely automated, there is always a scope for accidents and hazards in the manufacturing industry. This is because most of the equipment are subjected to high temperatures, fluctuating pressures, electricity, high-speed operating components, etc. Thus, workers’ and workplace safety remains the prior concern for many manufacturers. This is why it is essential for the employees to be mentally and physically absolutely conscious while working in manufacturing facilities. If certain conditions are not ensured, it may result in fatal accidents, lack of employee morale, lack of productivity, etc. Do you know manufacturing is also one of the highly regulated industrial segments?

Manufacturers understand the importance of maintaining a drug-free workplace owing to safety and compliance reasons. Among various factors, drug and alcohol tests are widely adopted during recruitment, background verification, and on-job assessment. Considering all these factors, MedWay Onsite Health Solutions (OHS) offers drug test services. We act as the third-party administrators (TPAs) for several organizations. Our drug testing services have helped our clients to assure productive, drug-free, industry-compliant, and above all – safest workplaces.

Drug Abuse Statistics in Manufacturing Industry

Drug consumption is one of the menaces for the manufacturing industry in the US. Here are a few statistics that explain the impact of drug consumption and substance abuse in the manufacturing industry.

According to National Safety Council’s report, 43% of employees in highly productive manufacturing units are sleep-deprived and often under the influence of hazardous substances. This has resulted in risks at night shifts, fatigue, emotional distress, etc. This eventually results in a decrease in employee performance.
In the year 2014, 24% of the workforce in the US manufacturing industry was influenced by drugs. However, between the years 2015 and 2018, the drug influence has increased to 35% in manufacturing industries. Owing to this, today almost 75% of employers in the United States have adopted pre-employment and post-employment drug tests. The results of positive drug tests are noticed to increase gradually.
According to the National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Inc (NCADD), 70% of the American workforce consumes illicit drugs.The accidents caused due to drug and alcohol consumption have increased by 2.7 times.
According to the National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Inc (NCADD)’s reports, employers in the United States are reported to expense $81 billion in the year 2016 over drug-related issues. The expense was estimated and reported to rise rapidly in the coming years.

Risks of Drug Abuse in Manufacturing Industry

Most manufacturing facilities, irrespective of their size, create an impression of highly productive and challenging workplaces. This is largely true to a certain extent. Exposure to metals, chemicals, equipment, etc can pose threat to human health. Here are a few risks identified related to drug consumption in manufacturing facilities.

Loss of productive hours
Accident and Injuries
Electrocution
Exposure to harmful chemicals, radioactive materials, etc.
Increased absenteeism
Poor decision making and judgment
Improper handling of work equipment
Depression and suicidal tendencies

MedWay OHS acknowledges the need for drug screening in the manufacturing industries and therefore offers drug testing services for the following:

Background Verification Drug Testing: Traces of some drugs remain in the human body for a duration of months. This is why the pre-employment drug tests are done for background verification. These tests are performed to ensure that the candidate has no records of substance abuse in the recent past.
On Job Drug Screening: These tests are performed to discourage the consumption of drugs in the workplace. These are often performed as random screenings to maintain a drug-free workplace.
Post-Incident Drug Tests: The manufacturing facilities are susceptible to accidents and injuries. Drug influence can be a potential cause of such incidents. These post-incident drug tests are performed to identify the cause of the accident. Many manufacturers depend on these test results to reduce their liabilities arising from accident claims.
Reasonable Suspicion Drug Testing: These tests are often requested by employers if negative behavioral changes are noticed at the workplace.

Types of Drug Tests offered by MedWay OHS

The Federal Government policies mandate manufacturers to conduct drug tests.
In order to cater to the manufacturing industry for maintaining a drug-free workplace, MedWay OHS offers the following types of drug tests.

Urine Drug Test: In this test, we collect the urine sample to identify the existence of any illicit drugs. This type of drug test offers a detection window of 30 days. However, it may differ according to the type of drug consumed, metabolic activities, etc. This test is ideal for random drug screening and post-incident drug tests.
Saliva Drug Test: This test gives instant test results and a detection window of 72 hours. It is suitable for random drug screening for drug-free workplace policy.
Hair Follicle Drug Test: This test offers 90 days of the detection window. It is ideal for pre-employment drug testing and background check. It is suitable for post-incident cause detection as well as it gives results for traces of drug consumption through hair follicles.

Why Work With MedWay OHS?

We believe the following features of our services have made us quite popular with our manufacturing industry clients.

We offer comprehensive alcohol and drug testing services while we act as third-party administrators (TPA).
Our drug test results are maintained according to FMCSA guidelines.
All specimen is collected by DOT certified drug testing professionals, and this helps us assure the transparency in sample collection and test results.

Contact Us

MedWay OHS has helped several manufacturing companies to build effective Drug-Free Workplaces. We do not only test the employees for drug consumption but also help in establishing drug-free workplace protocols. If you are looking for authentic and transparent drug testing services from your manufacturing company, please contact us. We will be happy to serve as a drug testing TPA for your organization.

Oil & Gas

Oil and gas is one of the most important, yet challenging industry segments due to various reasons. Although high salaries make it a lucrative option for hard workers, long working hours and months of isolation from family and friends, unfavorable working environments such as high ambient temperatures, as well as noisy and dusty environments make it equally challenging and stressful. As a result, many people develop an inclination towards substance abuse to get a temporary high. These fatalities have triggered concerns in terms of productivity, the safety of people, and compensations that oil and gas companies need to provide as a part of their work contracts.

As a result, occupational health is now being perceived as an important growth factor by most oil and gas companies operating large vessels and rigs. However, addressing this problem can be challenging because only a few positions are governed by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Commission (PHMSC) or by the Department of Transportation (DOT). It is largely up to the oil and energy companies to devise and implement drug and alcohol testing guidelines. Over the years, MedWay Onsite Health Services (OHS) has helped several leading oil and gas companies and their contractors build and promote safe and productive workplaces for their employees, customers, and sub-contractors. Our drug and alcohol testing services help them meet the guidelines of mandated as well as non-mandated drug and alcohol testing.

Risks of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in Oil and Gas Industry

As known, drug and alcohol abuse in workplaces may have severe consequences on users, as well as their employers, and colleagues. The same goes true for users in the oil and gas industry, too. The following are some common risks associated with substance abuse in rigs and resource development projects where employees stay in challenging conditions.

Workers under the influence of drugs are more likely to take sick leaves, make poor work decisions, and are likely to be less productive, too.
Workers may end up damaging expensive equipment when they use it under the influence of drugs. This may lead to additional operational costs in terms of downtimes, repairs, benefits claims, and insurance claims.
Regular employees who do not consume alcohol and drugs may feel pressured when they have to take up additional responsibilities of their colleagues who may work under the influence of drugs. This in turn may strain relationships at workplaces.
The company’s reputation and security may be jeopardized if a drugged employee gets injured during work, or harm others during minor altercations.

To avoid these risks, today, the oil and gas industry clients are keen to implement drug-free workplace policies. We support them through the following tests:

Pre-employment Drug Testing: The DOT and PHMSC mandate all employees considered for safety-sensitive positions to undergo drug and alcohol testing. We perform this type of testing on candidates who are being considered for safety-sensitive positions such as drivers, site supervisors, and so on.
Random Drug Testing: Both DOT and PHMSC recommend oil and gas companies to conduct random drug testing on employees covered under it to discourage them from using drugs. As of 2021, there is no requirement for random alcohol testing for people involved in these positions. We also conduct random drug testing for employees who may not be covered under DOT and PHMSC guidelines. Often, these tests are conducted on short notice to deter employees from cheating on these tests.
Reasonable Suspicion Drug Testing: Usually, we receive the request for reasonable suspicion drug testing from employers when they notice erratic symptoms such as a change in behavior, motor skills, changed workplace relationships, odor, or slurring speech and so on in their employees. At times, the decision for reasonable suspicion drug testing may be taken based on the reporting by certain employees.
Post-incident Drug Testing: The employers are required to conduct drug testing on injured employees covered under DOT/PHMSC within 36 hours of the incident. Sometimes, this testing is also conducted on people who may be affected by the incident and could not complete their work due to it. If they are also under the influence of drugs or alcohol, then it may accelerate worries for the employer. We often conduct these tests to identify drugs that may have led to the accident.

Different Types of Drug Tests Offered by MedWay OHS

At MedWay OHS, we conduct the following types of drug tests to analyze the influence of drugs and alcohol on employees who work in challenging work environments.

Saliva Drug Testing: In this type of testing, human saliva is used to trace drugs up to 72 hours. This drug testing is preferred for instant results it assure.
Hair Follicle Drug Testing: Hair follicles help analyze the drug usage over a long time. Drug traces get embedded in hair follicles and they grow with the hair. The detection window for hair follicle drug testing is up to 90 days.
Urine Drug Testing: This is the most popular type of drug testing, wherein the urine sample is used to analyze the traces of drugs in bloodstream. The urine sample offers 30 days detection period, however, its influence may differ based on factors such as metabolic activity, hydration, and the type of drug consumed.

Although urine drug testing is the most popular of all drug tests, it can be easily cheated because of the sample collection process. Against this, the sample of saliva and urine is collected in the presence of a certified professional, which makes it difficult to cheat.

Contact Us

MedWay OHS helps oil and gas companies reduce instances of substance abuse at their workplaces and create productive and happy workplaces. If you have any questions regarding our drug testing services, you can email us your concerns and queries or call us on any of the numbers given below.

Retail and Distribution

Retail is one of those fast-moving sectors which involves interactions with customers. Hiring in this sector happens at different levels, but more so frontline executives are required. This sector may at times involve the sale of groceries and other essentials such as clothing, stationery, furniture, electronic goods, and so much more clubbed in one supermarket. The jobs here can be stressful and may demand long and erratic working hours facing customers. On the other side, if an employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol when on duty, it can lead to a lot of criticism and scrutiny from various spheres including social media, which also dents the credibility of the retailer. So, it is essential for the employer to facilitate a clean drug-free environment, which means safety and productivity for employees and a good experience for consumers. Random drug testing and pre-employment drug testing can certainly help control any unwanted situations in this sector. MedWay Onsite Health Services (OHS) conducts several types of drug tests based on the requirements of the retail sector companies. We help them control the drug menace and maintain a safe working environment. Also, our random drug testing prompts employees to refrain from drug abuse for the fear of getting caught.

Risks of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in the Retail Industry

The hypercompetitive retail sector is ever exposed to customers from different walks of life. The pressure of sales, targets, brand image, and so on is tremendous. Nowadays, a few bad reviews on social media also can do a lot of damage. Here are some risk factors:

These jobs, especially at the frontline level, can be very demanding and involve working in shifts that may change on a rotational basis.
Also, home delivery is a major segment of the retail sector, which involves delivery teams, drivers, and so on.
According to some studies, retaining people in this sector is challenging, and this could be due to the nature of these jobs.
Some jobs here may involve standing for a long time and interacting with customers, some of whom may be rude or abusive.
Consumerist mindset and continuous scrutiny are also major challenges these employees have to face.
This builds up stress among these employees which may push them towards drug or alcohol consumption.
According to some studies, the drug positivity rate in this sector is quite high.

Tests We Offer

The Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates testing in the retail sector for people in supply chain and home deliveries. These segments involve drivers and people involved in material movement, who need to be tested for drugs and alcohol. Drug tests are also conducted for various employees in the retail store including frontline sales and store staff. Here are the drug tests we offer:

Pre-employment Drug Testing: We highly recommend pre-employment drug testing before any new employee is hired. Like other background checks carried out by an employer or a third-party agency, keeping a record of drug or alcohol use by an employee is important. So, this is commonly performed by retail sector employers to prevent any risk to their brand image and also the overall work environment. We perform this type of testing on all the selected candidates for a particular job before they join the company. Hair strands are the most preferred specimen here as the results they give are accurate. They provide results for drug abuse over a long period of time. Also, an employee cannot manipulate with hair strands as a specimen.
Random Drug Testing: This type of testing keeps the employees alert and on their toes all the time. The fact that they may get caught anytime keeps them away from drugs and alcohol. We recommend this to all retailers. Random testing can be done without giving any prior notice or at very short notice. This is one type even we suggest every employer as these tests are conducted randomly or at very short notice. So, it is difficult for employees to cheat or manipulate. Most commonly these are urine or saliva tests and our DOT certified professionals are present at the site to collect the specimen.

Different Types of Drug Tests Offered by MedWay OHS

At MedWay OHS, we conduct drug tests using various specimens such as urine, saliva, and hair. This not only indicates if a person has consumed drugs but also helps us identify the type of drugs consumed.

Urine drug testing: This is the easiest and the most common method of checking for the drug as well as alcohol consumption. However, at times, the results of a urine test may be influenced by various parameters such as metabolic activities and water intake. This test has a detection window of up to 30 days and is useful for random testing. The results of this test can be again verified from a lab.
Hair follicle drug testing: A drug consumed by a person is absorbed by the hair strands and its traces remain there for up to 90 days. So, this test has a relatively large detection window and is ideal for pre-employment testing. It is not easy for anyone to cheat in this test.
Saliva Drug Testing: Saliva as a specimen for drug testing provides accurate output. However, it has a small detection window of about 72 hours. This can be used for pre-employment as well as random drug testing. It is difficult for employees to cheat or manipulate in this test.

Contact Us

MedWay OHS has been working with many retail companies to create a safe and productive work environment. We have been instrumental in reducing incidents of drug abuse in this sector through our tests and overall approach. If you have any questions regarding our drug testing services for the retail sector or need to make an inquiry, you can reach us on phone or email.

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Construction

Construction is one of the biggest sectors which contributes hugely to the economic growth of any nation. Be it residential or commercial buildings, roads, public spaces, highways, bridges, tunnels, or anything else, it helps establish connectivity between two areas and regions and generates high revenues. While it is necessary that all business sectors are safe and free from drug abuse, the important ones like construction must not have any employee under influence of drugs and alcohol while on duty. This is one sector, where one segment deals with physical labor, and the job is such is full of responsibility. So, it is crucial for this sector to be totally free of drug abuse in workplace. Also, this sector has certain legal standards and regulation to comply with.

The Health and Safety Act at Work demands employee drug testing to be carried out by employers. Studies show that almost 40% of the accidents which happen in the construction sector are due to drug abuse. In a bid to reduce this, most employers support drug testing of employees as per the company policies. Studies done by JK Gerber and GS Yacoubian Jr. show that performing drug tests on a periodic basis reduced drug abuse related incidents in the construction sector by 51%.

MedWay Onsite Health Services (OHS) conducts several types of drug tests based the requirements of companies. This has certainly helped companies curb the drug menace and allowed employees to get a chance to reform and refrain from drugs. Our drug and alcohol testing services help them meet the guidelines of mandated as well as non-mandated drug and alcohol testing such as under DOT or non-DOT.

Risks of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in the Construction Industry

The use of drugs and alcohol in a workplace not only adversely impacts the employees but the business, productivity, and the work environment as a whole. The same applies to the construction sector. Here are some of the risk factors involved.

The stressful work hours, physical labor, and strenuous tasks may strain employees and make them vulnerable if they are unable to manage their stress. This very factor takes them a step closer to drug and alcohol abuse.
The physically demanding work already has its own risk factors. If someone is under the influence of drugs, the possibility of mishaps on construction sites certainly increases.
It may lead to uncontrolled or unsafe behavior, harming people on the site, blurred speech, and so on.
The specific skills of workers as well as their fitness levels cannot be compromised upon in this sector. Still, this situation prevails.

Tests We Offer

The Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates testing for hydromorphone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone and oxycodone according to the updated list of drugs, aside from the previous ones. Medway OHS has been instrumental in curbing this menace. Here are the drug tests we offer:

Pre-employment Drug Testing: This is the most common drug test done by employers, and is highly recommended by DOT, especially for safety-sensitive jobs. We perform this type of testing on all the selected candidates for a particular job before they join the company. Hair strands are the most preferred specimen when it comes to pre-employment testing.
Random Drug Testing: Random testing keeps the employees alert and prompts them to refrain from drugs due to the fear of testing positive. This is one type even we suggest every employer as these tests are conducted randomly or at a very short notice. So, it is difficult for employees to manipulate. Usually urine sample is taken for random tests. But, to avoid cheating and manipulation, we ensure there are reserved washrooms to collect the sample and our technicians are present at the site during sample collection. These reports are again confirmed from the lab.
Post-incident Drug Testing: There is always a possibility of mishaps in the construction sector, despite all the safety norms in place. So, it is essential for the employers to conduct drug and alcohol tests on employees who meet with such accidents on the job. This is because the possibility of they being under influence of drugs cannot be ruled out unless tested. This test needs to be done within 36 hours of the mishap. We also conduct these tests to identify drugs that may have led to the accident. Saliva is the preferred sample in this case, which is later confirmed based on lab reports.

Different Types of Drug Tests Offered by MedWay OHS

At MedWay OHS, we conduct drug tests through various means and samples to rightly identify if a person is using drugs and which type of drugs, especially in harsh working environments such as the construction sector.

Urine drug testing: This is the most common and the easiest method of drug testing, especially for random checking. It has a detection window of up to 30 days; however, this can be influenced by various metabolic factors, bodily fluids, water intake, and so on. Also, it is easy for employees to manipulate.
Hair follicle drug testing: The traces of drugs consumed can be found in the hair and grow with them. They remain in the hair for a long time, and hence this test has a large window of up to 90 days. It is not easy for anyone to cheat in this test.
Saliva Drug Testing: Drugs consumed by a person can be traced through a saliva specimen, quite accurately. Also, you can get instant results and it is difficult for employees to cheat or manipulate. For this, the testing window is up to 72 hours.

Contact Us

MedWay OHS helps many companies in the construction sector create a clean and safe working environment and reduce instances of drug abuse among employees. If you have any questions regarding our drug testing services or need to make an enquiry, you can reach us on phone or email.

Education

School Drug Testing Programs

Drug abuse in schools is a challenging problem facing students, faculty, and families. The rise in drug testing is a reaction to the still-raging opioid epidemic and liberalized marijuana laws spreading across the country, according to health experts and educators. Alcohol and drug use by students is a serious health risk for the individual and the community. Schools have a significant role in the prevention and reduction of substance use by adolescents. School administrator’s mission is to ensure a safe, supportive, and healthy school environment where children can learn and reach their full potential. This includes taking measures to prevent tobacco, alcohol and drug use among students.

Why Schools Are Implementing a Drug Treating Program

The purpose of the drug testing program is to detect the teens who are abusing alcohol and drugs and to involve the student in a program to address issues arising as results of drug and alcohol abuse. Using illicit drugs not only interferes with a student’s ability to learn, but it can also disrupt the teaching environment, affecting other students as well. Drug testing among students can provide the following advantages:

Educate students to adopt a healthier lifestyle
Letting the students know the effects of using these illicit drugs will help to keep students to stay away from it.
It allows an environment that is safe for the students to prosper in
Drug testing provides the students with an excuse to its peers not to partake in drugs

Random Drug Testing Programs

The percentage of schools conducting random drug testing and/or reasonable suspicion/cause testing has increased significantly. According to a Federal Government survey, 38% of school districts had school drug testing. The testing program typically involves collecting urine or hair samples to test for drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, phencyclidine (PCP), and opioids (both heroin and prescription pain relievers).

In random testing, students are selected regardless of their drug use history and may include students required to do a drug test as a condition of participation in a sport, club or an extracurricular activity. An initial instant drug test can be used. If the test is positive, the Federal guidelines require a confirmation of the drug test in a lab.

In reasonable suspicion/cause testing, a student can be asked to provide urine or hair sample if the school suspects or has evidence that he or she is using drugs.

In such instances the school officials may make direct observations of the student showing physical symptoms of being under the influence or patterns of abnormal or erratic behavior.

Why do some schools conduct random drug tests?

Schools adopt random student drug testing to decrease drug misuse and illicit drug use among students. Random testing will serve as a deterrent and give students a reason to resist peer pressure to take drugs. In addition drug testing can identify teens whom have started using illicit drugs and would benefit from early intervention, as well as identify those who already have drug problems and need referral to treatment. Drug testing allows for early detection and intervention.

1. Students have a built-in reason to resist peer pressure, a well-known reason why kids experiment with drugs
2. Schools are fulfilling their duty in promoting a safe and drug free environment
3. It increases chances for students to have a successful future

Is random drug testing of students legal?

In June 2002, the U.S. Supreme Court broadened the authority of public schools to test students for illegal drugs. The court ruled to allow random drug tests for all middle and high school students participating in competitive extracurricular activities. The ruling greatly expanded the scope of school drug testing, which previously had been allowed only for student athletes. School administrators need to determine if drug testing is legal in their state. A school or school district that is interested in adopting a student drug-testing program should seek legal expertise so that it complies with all federal, state, and local laws. Individual state constitutions may dictate different legal thresholds for allowing student drug testing.

If a student tests positive for drugs, what is the protocol for schools?

The primary purpose of drug testing is not to punish students who use illicit drugs but to prevent future illicit drug use and to help students already involved with drugs become drug-free. If a student tests positive for drugs, schools can respond to the individual situation. If a student tests positive for drug use but has not yet progressed to addiction, the school can require counseling and follow-up testing. For students diagnosed with addiction, parents and a school administrator can refer them to effective drug treatment programs to begin the recovery process.

The importance of testing teenagers

Teens’ brains and bodies are still developing, and this makes them especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of drug use. Most teens do not use illicit drugs, but for those who do, it can lead to a wide range of adverse effects on their behavior and health.

Short term: Even a single use of an intoxicating drug can affect a person’s judgment and decision-making, resulting in accidents, poor performance in school or sports activities, unplanned risky behavior, and overdose.

Long term: Repeated drug use can lead to serious problems, such as poor academic outcomes, mood changes (depending on the drug: depression, anxiety, paranoia, psychosis), and social or family problems caused or worsened by drugs.

Repeated drug use can also lead to addiction. Studies show that the earlier a teen begins using drugs, the more likely he or she will develop a substance use disorder (SUD). An SUD develops when continued drug use causes issues, such as health problems and failure to meet responsibilities at home, work, or school. An SUD can range from mild to severe, the most severe form being addiction. Conversely, if teens stay away from drugs while in high school, they are less likely to develop an SUD later in life.

What testing methods are available?

There are several testing methods currently available that use urine, hair, oral fluids, and sweat. These methods vary in cost, reliability, drugs detected, and detection period. Schools can determine their needs and choose the method that best suits their requirements, as long as the testing kits are from a reliable source. There are a variety of drug testing kits to detect the presence of drugs in the person’s body.

Detection timing of Types of Drugs Tests

Urine-tests for the presence of drug metabolites in urine for a few days after ingesting

Breath: breath-alcohol test determines the amount of alcohol currently in the bloodstream, or blood alcohol concentrations for a few hours after consumption

Blood-can test for current levels of drugs or alcohol in the bloodstream for a short window of time

Hair: provides a complete drug history for up to 90 days, not including current levels of impairment –longest testing window

Oral Fluids: Can detect drugs currently in the system by a swab of saliva from the inner cheek. The timeframe for detection of drugs is typically up to three days of drug ingestion.

Urine Screening/Testing

A popular method of testing by schools is the urine test.

For testing students a particular protocol is followed to detect the presence of drug metabolites. If a positive result is detected, a GC-MS (analytical method used to identify different substances within a test sample) confirmation is required as well as a MRO (Medical Review Officer) to review the test. These Federal guidelines are in place to ensure accuracy and fairness in drug-testing programs.

Both the urine (certified lab collection) and hair tests include the GC-MS and MRO.

Hair Testing

Another kind of minimally intrusive drug test is a hair test. Hair drug screening is constantly used to look for controlled substances, such as cannabis, amphetamines, opiates and PCP. Each hair follicle has a rich blood source that nurtures the cells accountable for hair development. When an individual is exposed to drugs, drugs or drug metabolites diffuse from the blood into the hair roots, so traces of them might be identified in the hair. Given that, hair growth is a continuous, long-lasting procedure. Hair drug screening is helpful in discovering substance abuse long after direct drug exposure.

Saliva Screening

The use of saliva as a testing matrix offers numerous benefits over urine testing.

The test can be done at the school
Save Time and educe errors. Quick results in 10 minutes!
The cost of the test is less expensive than the older method of testing
The process is less invasive
The collective for collection can be fully observed without privacy concerns
Tests can be administered without the need for specialized collection facilities
The test is resistant to adulteration
OralTox is FDA-cleared
Optional lab testing available for positive drug results
Easy to administer and interpret
Proven accuracy, sensitivity, and reliability
Accurate results without the need for manual interpretation or reporting

If a positive reading is detected, a confirmation testing of GC-MS and MOR are required.

Which drugs can be tested for?

Various testing methods normally test for a “panel” of five to 10 different drugs. A typical drug panel tests for marijuana, cocaine, opioids (including the prescription pain relievers OxyContin® and Vicodin®), amphetamines, and PCP. If a school has a particular problem with other drugs, such as 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), or appearance- and performance-enhancing drugs (steroids), they can include testing for these drugs as well. It is also possible to screen for synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as Spice and K2.

How accurate are drug tests? Is there a possibility a test could give a false positive?

The accuracy of drug tests from a certified lab is very high, and confirmation tests can help to rule out any false positives. Usually, hair samples are divided so that if an initial test is positive, a confirmation test can be conducted. Federal guidelines are in place to ensure accuracy and fairness in drug-testing programs.

Can students manipulate the tests results?

Many students who use drugs are aware of techniques that supposedly detoxify their systems or mask their drug use. Internet sites give advice on how to dilute urine samples, and there are even companies that sell clean urine or products designed to distort test results. A number of techniques and products are focused on urine tests for marijuana, but masking products are becoming more available for tests on hair, oral fluids, and multiple drugs.

Most of these manipulative products do not work, are very costly, and are easily identified in the testing process. Moreover, even if the specific drug is successfully masked, the product itself can be detected, in which case the student using it would become an obvious candidate for additional screening and attention. In fact, some testing programs label a test positive if a masking product is detected.

Call BestHire today for pricing and helpful information to help plan and implement your school drug testing program.