1. Report Indicates Amtrak Employees Failing Drug Tests At High Rate
Traveling by train is steadily increasing as the
cost of flying continues to increase. Many
people travel via train due to it being
considered a safe and efficient way to travel-
especially for those who fear driving or flying.
In light of this, it might be fitting to learn that
a certain train carrier in America is dropping
the ball when it comes to ensuring safety for
passengers.
Recently, CNN news reported an increase of
alcohol and drug test failures among Amtrak
employees. In fact, it has been steadily
increasing since 2006. This has caused
passengers to question the safety of such travel
and other companies are wondering just how
much drug and alcohol use is going on with
their own employees. Some companies are questioning why they don’t have any alcohol and
drug test measures going on at all.
A report by Amtrak’s Office of Inspector General stated that marijuana and cocaine were the top
two drugs used by employees who failed Alcohol Drug Testing. Ever since the fatal 1987 Amtrak
collision with another train due to an employee high on marijuana, drug & alcohol testing
measures have been enforced at Amtrak. The collision with a freight train took the nation by
surprise and also took the death of 16 people.
Some officials are questioning Amtrak’s lack of concern for monitoring alcohol and drug use
among employees. With Amtrak’s failed alcohol and drug tests at 51% higher than passenger
train industry average, the concern is quite legitimate.
The inspector general commented that Amtrak’s senior management had limited knowledge
about the high failure rates and encouraged a more serious approach to managing the problem.
Amtrak has been advised to increase the frequency of alcohol and drug testing, as well as
compare the results with competing industry averages.
If you own your own business or manage employees, it is wise to have your own Drug Alcohol
Testing measures in place for your employees. Having such can be beneficial in various ways,
including higher productivity and a decreased chance of accidents due to being under the
influence of drugs. With the high use of alcohol and drug use among men and women in general,
it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to employment safety matters.
For more information about alcohol and drug testing in Australia, call Mediscreen today
and ask about our onsite services: (+61) 1300 79 70 40.
This article has been taken from http://mediscreen.net.au/articles/?p=2003