Resolution No. 6732
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RESOLUTION NO. 6732
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A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
VERNON APPROVING AND ADOPTING A CITY OF VERNON
DRUG & ALCOHOL TESTING POLICY FOR EMPLOYEES
SUBJECT TO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TESTING
REGULATIONS
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WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation ("DOT") has
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promulgated alcohol and drug regulations (40 CFR Part 382) which
are designed to help prevent accidents and injuries resulting from
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the misuse of alcohol or use of controlled substances, which are
IO made applicable to every person who operates a commercial motor
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vehicle in interstate or intrastate commerce and is subject to
commercial driver's license requirements; and
WHE~EAS, the City is required to adopt a policy
implementing the DOT regulations and to test employees covered by
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said regulations; and
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WHEREAS, the City desires to adopt a policy that will
satisfy the City's obligations under the DOT regulations, but
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of its employees for drugs and alcohol as otherwise allowed by the
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law; and
WHEREAS, the City council does not intend that the
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affect the rights of the city and its employees pursuant to their
24 at-will employment relationship.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF VERNON AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: The City Council of the City of Vernon does
I hereby find and determine that the recitals contained hereinabove
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SECTION 2: The City council of the City of Vernon hereby
4 approves and adopts the City of Vernon Drug & Alcohol Testing
5 Policy for Employees Subject to Department of Transportation
6 Testing Regulations, a copy of which has been presented to the
7 City Council concurrently with this resolution, and the City
8 Council hereby orders said Policy to be received and filed by the
9 City Clerk.
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SECTION 3: The City Clerk of the city of Vernon shall
II certify to the passage of this resolution and thereupon and
12 thereafter the same shall be in full force and effect.
13 APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 23rd day of January, 1996.
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ATT, EST: , ~"
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BRUCE V. MALKENHORST, City Clerk
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I STATE OF CALIFORNIA
2 COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
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I, BRUCE V. MALKENHORST, city Clerk of the City of
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Vernon, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution, being
Resolution No. 6732, was duly adopted by the City council of the
City of Vernon at an adjourned regular meeting of the city Council
duly held on Tuesday, Januarv 23. 1996, and thereafter was duly
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signed by the Mayor of the City of Vernon.
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BRUCE V. MALKENHORST, City Clerk
(SEAL)
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OFFICE OF TIlE
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
INTER-DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM
DATE:
February 1, 1996
FROM:
Kevin Wilson, Director of Community Services & Water
L. Telford, Fire Chief
Lew Pozzebon, Director of Environmental Health
Ken DeDario, Director of Light & Power
Louis Rosenkrantz, Chief of Police
Martha Valenzuela, Finance Officer Manager
Carol Dacey, CUstomer Service Manager
Gloria J. oro~ Chief Deputy City Clerk
NEW ALCOHOL & DRUG TESTING POLICY
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TO:
RE:
Due to regulations that have recently been adopted by the Department
of Transportation it has become necessary for the city to follow
suit. Attached hereto you is a copy of Resolution No. 6732 that
approved the city's "Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy" (copy attached
hereto) which applies to certain employees/classification in the
city. Please keep in mind that the city shall continue to randomly
test other employees as it deems necessary or as you feel may be
warranted. If you have any questions regarding this policy contact
Joan Francone, Personnel Assistant, and if you have concerns
reqardinq emoloyees and alcohol/druq issues be sure and contact Mr.
Malkenhorst immediately.
Thank you.
cc:
Joan Francone
Personnel Info. File
:CAdmMemo
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CJ:TY OP VBRJlOB
DRUG & ALCOHOL TBSTDlG POLJ:CY
POR BllPLOYBBS StJBJBCT TO DBPARTJIBJl1T
OP TRUlSPORTATJ:OB TBSTDlG,RBGULATJ:OBS
y:
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1.0 POLICY OBJECTIVE:
The City of Vernon ("the City") generally maintains a policy
of not tOlerating any drug or alcohol use by any City employee.
The Department of Transportation ("DOT") has promulgated alcohol
and drug regulations (40 CFR Part 382) which are designed to help
prevent accidents and injuries resulting from the misuse of alcohol
or use of controlled substances, and which are made applicable to
every person who operates a commercial motor vehicle in interstate
or intrastate commerce, and is subject to commercial driver's
license requirements. This policy is intended to satisfy the
city's obligations under the DOT regulations. The policy should in
no way be construed as prohibiting the city from applying other
drug-testing procedures to all of its employees to the extent
allowed by law.
All persons covered by this policy should be aware that
violations of the policy may result in discipline, up to and
including termination, or in not being hired. Nevertheless, the
policy is not intended by the City in any way to affect the rights
of the City and its employees pursuant to their at-will employment
relationship.
2.0 APPLICABILITY:
All employees who operate commercial motor vehicles and who
are subject to the commercial driver's license requirements.
Pursuant to Vehicle Code S 34520(e), this policy also applies to
the City's firefighters.
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DEFINITIONS.
. "Alcohol" means the intoxicating agent in beverage
alcohol, ethyl alcohol, or other low molecular weight alcohols,
including methyl and isopropyl alcohol.
. "Alcohol use" means the consumption of any beverage,
or preparation, including any medication, containing
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mixture,
alcohol.
. "Chain of custody" means procedures to account for
the integrity of each urine or blood specimen by tracking its
handling or storage from point of specimen collection to final
disposition of the specimen.
. "Commercial motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle or
combination of motor vehicles used in commerce to transport
passengers or property if the motor vehicle -
(1) Has a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or
more pounds inclusive of a towed unit with a gross
vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds;
or,
(2) Has a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more
pounds; or,
(3) Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers,
including the driver; or,
(4) Is of any size and is used in the transportation of
materials found to be hazardous for the purposes of
the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act in which
require the motor vehicle to be placarded under the
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Hazardous Materials Regulations (49CFR Part 172,
subpart F).
"Current use of drugs" means that the illegal drug
use occurred recently enough to indicate that the individual is
still actively engaged in this conduct.
. "Driver" means any city employee whose job duties
require the operation of a commercial motor vehicle and is subject
to commercial driver's license requirements. This includes, but is
not limited to: full time, regularly employed drivers and casual,
intermittent or occasional drivers. For the purposes of pre-
employment/pre-duty testing only, the term "driver" includes a
person applying to the City to drive a City-owned vehicle, or whose
job description would require the ability to drive a vehicle.
. "Illegal drug" includes any drug which is not
legally obtainable or possessed or which is legally obtainable but
has not been legally obtained. The term includes prescribed drugs
which were not legally obtained or are not being used for
pr~scribed purposes.
. "Legal drug" includes prescribed drugs and over-the-
counter drugs and/or medications which have been legally obtained
and are being used for the purpose for which they were prescribed
or manufactured.
. "Reasonable suspicion" is a belief based on
specific, contemporaneous, articulable observations concerning
appearance, behavior, speech or body odors, or other objective and
articulable observations sufficient to lead a reasonable
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manager/supervisor to suspect that an employee is under the
influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Instances of reasonable
suspicion include but are not limited to when (1) an employee
appears intoxicated, confused or uncoordinated; (2) exhibits marked
personali ty changes or changes in conduct or shows irrational
behavior; or (3) following accidents.or serious incidents where
there is reason to believe the employee's faculties are impaired,
presenting a reasonable likelihood of danger to his/her own safety
or the safety of others.
. "Safety-sensitive function" for purposes of this
policy means the operation of any ci ty owned commercial motor
vehicle.
. "Under the influence" means that the employee is
affected by any drug and/or alcohol or any combination thereof in
any detectable manner. The symptoms of influence are not confined
to those consistent with misbehavior, nor to obvious impairment of
physical or ~ental ability, such as slurred speech or difficulty in
maintaining balance. A determination of influence can be
established by public perception, a professional opinion, a
scientifically valid test and in some cases, by a lay person's
opinion.
4.0 ASSIGNED RESPONSIBILITY:
It shall be the responsibility of all department heads,
managers, and supervisors to ensure that all covered employees
abide by the provisions of this policy. Any questions regarding
the policy should be addressed to the Risk Management/Personnel
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Office.
5.0 POLICY:
A. Pre-Employment Screenina.
All applicants accepted for employment in positions
covered by this policy shall be informed that a pre-placement
physical assessment is mandatory, that an initial drug and alcohol
screening will be conducted during that examination and that a
positive result could disqualify the applicant.
B. On the Job Use. Possession. Distribution or Sale of
Druas and/or Alcohol.
No employee shall report to work while under the
influence of drugs and/or alcohol, possess or utilize such
substances while on assigned duty or subj ect to scheduled ci ty
duty, sell or furnish drugs or alcohol to any other person, or have
their ability to work impaired as a result of the use of alcohol
and/or drugs.
c. Use of Prescribed Drugs and Over-The-Counter Medications
- Notification to SUDervisor.
The use of prescribed drugs and over-the-counter
medications which have been legally obtained and are being used for
the purpose for which they were prescribed or manufactured are not
per se a violation of this policy. Nevertheless, when taking such
drugs or medications which may interfere with the safe and
effective performance of duties or operation of City equipment,
City employees must notify their supervisor of the need for such
consumption before beginning work on that date.
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D. Use of Prescribed Druqs and Over-The-Counter Medications
- Physician Clearance Requirement.
An employee who conducts non-safety-sensitive functions
may continue to work, even though under the influence of a legally
prescribed drug, if the City has determined after consul~ation,
that the employee does not pose a threat to the employee's own
safety or the safety of others, and that the employee's job
performance is not significantly affected by the legal dru~.
Otherwise, the employee may be required to take a leave of absence
or comply with other appropriate action determined by the City. In
the event there is a question regarding an employee's ability to
safely and effectively perform assigned duties while using such
drugs or medications, clearance from a qualified physician will be
required. Nevertheless, no employee who is required to perform
safety-sensitive functions shall report to duty or remain on duty
when that employee is under the influence of controlled substances,
including s'llch substances which may be taken pursuant to the
instructions of a physician, unless the physician has advised that
the substance does not adversely affect the ability to perform the
safety-sensitive functions required of that employee.
E. Off Dutv Use.
Off duty use of alcohol, prescription drugs and
medications or other controlled substances that result in
substandard job performance or misconduct, or infringe upon the
maintenance of a safe, healthful and efficient working environment,
may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and
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including termination.
F. Search Procedures.
The City reserves the right to search all areas and
property under which it maintains full control to the extent
authorized by the Public Safety Officers' Procedural Bill of Rights
(Government Code sections 3300 et sea.), by the constitutional
limitations upon search and seizure, and by constitutional right of
privacy.
G. Actions Taken if Employee is in Violation of Policy.
Employees reasonably believed to be in violation of this
policy shall be prevented from engaging in further work activity
and may be detained for a reasonable time until transportation from
the work site can be facilitated.
H. Suoervisor's Responsibilitv.
A supervisor will accompany the employee to the clinic
for testing. The supervisor will wait until testing is completed
and then either take the employee home or assure that
transportation from the work site can be facilitated.
I. city Administrator and Risk Manaaement/Personnel Office
Notification.
In all instances of a violation of this policy, the City
Administrator and the Risk Management/Personnel Office shall be
notified immediately as a matter of proper procedure.
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6.0 EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE:
A. Referrals.
The City recognizes alcohol and/or drug dependency as an
illness and a major health problem. The City also recognizes
alcohol and/or drug abuse as potential health, safety and security
problems. The City encourages employees to seek help for alcohol
and/or drug abuse/dependency and other personal or emotional
problems. Employees needing help in dealing with such issues are
encouraged to contact the Risk Management/Personnel Office for
optional referrals.
B. Reasonable Accommodation.
The ci ty is commi tted to providing reasonable
accommodation to those employees whose drug and/or alcohol problems
constitute a "disability" under federal law and will cooperate with
such efforts to the full extent required by the law.
C. Violation of Policy.
No employee who voluntarily seeks treatment shall be
disciplined or discriminated against in any manner for having done
so. However, any employee who seeks treatment but is found to be
"currently engaging" in, drug use shall be in violation of this
policy.
7.0 KANDATORY TREATMENT.
This section shall not be interpreted as limiting the city's
independent authority to take any personnel action otherwise
authorized by the law, including those actions consistent with the
at-will employment relationship which exists between the city and
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all of its employees.
Mandatory treatment, rather than termination, may be made as
follows~
A. First Offense - Rehabilitation Proqram.
Upon a first offense of a violation of this policy not
involving reasonable suspicion of on-the-j ob impairment or accident
as defined by this policy, an employee shall be advised o'f the
names and addresses of substance abuse professionals and counseli~g
and treatment programs. The employee will be relieved of safety-
sensitive functions until completion of the rehabilitation program
to the satisfaction of the rehabilitation counselor, a return of an
alcohol test indicating an alcohol concentration of less than 0.02,
or if the offense involved controlled substances, the return of a
negative drug test and signing of a re-entry agreement as discussed
further below.
B. Treatment bv Rehabilitation Program Counselor.
An employee subject to mandatory treatment must agree to
undertake and to complete successfully a course of treatment as
deemed appropriate by the rehabilitation program counselor. Any
employee refusing to comply with a mandatory referral is subject to
termination.
After the employee returns to duty, the employee will be
subject to unannounced fOllow-up alcohol and controlled substances
tests. The number and frequency of such tests will be as directed
by the substance abuse professional and consist of at least six
test in the first 12 months following the return to duty. If the
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substances abuse professional then determines that testing is no
longer necessary, the testing requirement will be terminated.
C. Unsatisfactory Proaress.
If an employee fails to conform to the requirements of
the rehabilitation program and/or fails to complete the program
and/or fails to remain drug free, the employee may be terminated.
As part of the terms of the mandatory referral, the employee agrees
that the provider and/or rehabilitation counselor will report to
the employee's supervisor or manager any failure on the part of the
employee to cooperate in the rehabilitation program or to progress
through the program to the satisfaction of the counselor.
D. Leave of Absence without Pay.
The City will require the employee to charge vacation or
other leave credits while the employee participates in the
rehabilitation or treatment program. If no leave credits are
available to the employee, he or she may, if deemed necessary by
management, be placed on a leave of absence without pay for the
duration of the rehabilitation or treatment program.
E. Rehabilitation proaram In Lieu of Termination Not
Allowed For Second Offense.
An employee will not be allowed a rehabilitation program
in lieu of termination for a second violation of this policy.
F. Re-entry Aareement.
An employee who desires to return to work after a
mandatory referral must agree to the terms of aRe-entry Agreement,
the terms of which shall be established by the City in its sole
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discretion.
8.0 EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Employees are expected to support the maintenance of a
drug and alcohol free work place, and in so doing:
A. Shall not report for work, or while subject to City
duty, while their ability to perform job duties are impaired due to
alcohol and/or drug use;
B. Shall not report for duty or remain on du~y
requiring the performance of safety-sensitive functions while
having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater;
C. Shall not perform safety-sensitive functions within
four hours after using alcohol;
D. Shall not possess or use alcohol and/or illegal
drugs during working hours; while subject to scheduled City duty;
or at any time while specifically identifiable as a City employee,
performing in his or her official capacity, whether on city
property, in City uniform or vehicle;
E. Shall not directly or through a third party sell or
provide/distribute alcohol and/or drugs to any person or to any
other employee while either employee is subject to City duty;
F. Shall submit to a drug and/or alcohol screening when
requested by a City representative responsible for enforcement of
this policy or as required herein;
G. Shall not use alcohol for eight hours following any
accident, or until he/she undergoes a post-accident alcohol test,
whichever occurs first;
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H. Shall not refuse to submit any test required by this
policy;
I. Shall cooperate, as a condition of employment, in
searches and inspection activities;
J. Shall notify their supervisor before beginning work,
when taking any medications or drugs, prescription or otherwise,
which one would reasonably know interferes wi th the safe and
effective performance of job duties or operation of city equipmen~.
Within one subsequent work shift, provide a current valid
prescription, in the employee's name for any prohibited drug or
medication identified when a drug analysis is positive;
K. Shall notify the department head of any arrest or
conviction under a criminal drug statute within five (5) working
days of the arrest or conviction (disciplinary action shall not be
taken based solely on the arrest, however, disciplinary action may
be taken based upon the failure to notify); and
L. Shall generally abide by the terms of this policy.
9.0 MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND GUIDELINES:
All managers and supervisors, including any officer designated
as a field supervisor or watch commander, are responsible for
consistent enforcement of this policy, and in so doing:
A. Given reasonable suspicion that an employee is using
or under the influence of or possesses alcohol and/or drugs, or is
otherwise unable to perform the required job duties in a safe or
satisfactory manner, shall immediately document in writing, the
facts consti tuting reasonable suspicion that the employee in
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question is using and/or under the influence of alcohol and/or
drugs; and, in all instances of violations of this policy, document
in writing any and all pertinent facts and observations;
B. May notify the appropriate law enforcement agency
when there is reasonable suspicion to believe that an employee may
have illegal drugs in his/her possession or in an area not
controlled by the City;
c. Shall not physically search an employee, but seize
any suspected alcohol and/or illegal drugs which are in plain
sight. Secure any container or the like where alcohol and/or
illegal drugs may be present for a subsequent search by appropriate
personnel, but shall not confiscate without consent, prescription
drugs or medications from an employee who has a prescription;
D. When a supervisor or other management employee, and
confirmed by a second supervisor or management employee whenever
reasonably possible, has reasonable cause to believe that an
employee is impaired by drugs or alcohol, the employee shall be
removed to a suitable location which will ensure his or her privacy
and will be interviewed and informed of the basis of the reasonable
suspicion. Any statements made during the interview may be
recorded and may be used in any subsequent proceedings involving
the employee. If the supervisor or other management employee still
has a reasonable suspicion that the employee is not drug free, the
employee will be given a copy of this policy and ordered to submit
to urine testing and/or blood testing in accordance with the
procedures established by this policy. If the employee agrees, he
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or she will be transported to a designated collection site;
E. Any supervisor or management employee encountering
an employee who refuses an order to submit to a drug and/or alcohol
test shall remind the employee of the requirements and disciplinary
consequences of this policy. Where there is reasonable suspicion
that the employee is then under the influence of alcohol and/or
drugs, the supervisor or management employee should detain the
employee for a reasonable time until the employee can be safe~y
transported home.
10.0 PHYSICAL EXAMINATION PROCEDURES:
A. Consent For Drua/Alcohol Testina.
Prior to the collection of any urine or blood sample,
employees will be requested to sign a consent for drug/alcohol
testing. Failure to sign the consent form will result in
disciplinary action. Employees are entitled to receive a copy of
the signed consent form and the test results in the strictest
confidence.
B. Drug and/or Alcohol Analysis Testina.
The drug and/or alcohol analysis may test for any
substance which could impair an employee's ability to effectively
and safely perform the functions of his/her job, including, but not
limited to prescription drugs/medications, heroin, cocaine,
morphine and its derivatives, P.C.P., methadone, barbiturates,
amphetamines, marijuana and other cannabinoids.
c. Drua and/or Alcohol Analvsis on Urine SamDles.
The drug and/or alcohol analysis shall be conducted on
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urine samples. During the taking of the sample no one shall be
present with the employee except a physician or a qualified medical
practitioner. A blood sample may also be taken. The employee
shall follow the "chain of custody" procedure required by the
laboratory or medical facility conducting the testing.
D. When urine and/or Blood SamDle Taken.
The urine and/or blood sample will be taken during
regular working hours at any pre-determined medical facility, ~s
necessary or after regular working hours at any available medical
facility.
E. .Chain of CustodY Form.
The laboratory is required to complete a "Chain of
Custody" form in conjunction with the collection and testing of all
samples.
11.0 REOUIRED TESTS.
A. Pre-Employment Testina.
Prior to the first time an employee performs safety-
sensitive functions for the City, but after the job has been
offered to the employee, the employee shall undergo testing for
alcohol and controlled substances. The City shall not allow an
employee to perform safety-sensitive functions unless the employee
has been administered an alcohol test with a result indicating an
alcohol concentration less than 0.04, and has received a controlled
substances test result indicating a verified negative test result.
The City considers such an examination a business necessity
and a requirement of the City's compliance with DOT. The results
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of the examination are intended to be used by the city only for
purposes of evaluating the employee's physical and mental ability
to perform jOb-related functions, including the employee's ability
to remain alert, productive and safe from any possible accidents
which may be caused by current drug or alcohol use.
B. Post-Accident Testinq.
As soon as practicable following an accident involving
a City vehicle, the City shall test for alcohol and controlled
substances each surviving employee:
(1) Who was performing safety-sensitive functions with
respect to the vehicle, if the accident involved
the loss of human life, or an injury demanding
medical treatment away from the scene of the
accident; or
(2) Who receives a citation under state or local law
for a moving traffic violation arising from the
accident;
(3) If an alcohol test required by this section is not
administered within two hours following the
accident, the City shall prepare and maintain on
file a record stating the reasons the test was not
promptly administered. If a test required by this
section is not administered within eight hours
following the accident, the City shall cease
attempts to administer the alcohol test and shall
prepare and maintain the same record. Records
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shall be submitted to the Federal Highway
Administration upon request of its Associate
Administrator.
(4) If a controlled substance test required by this
section is not administered within 32 hours
following the accident, the city shall cease
attempts to administer the test and prepare and
maintain on file.a record stating the reasons the
test was not promptly administered. Records shall
be submitted to the Federal Highway Administration
upon request of its Associate Administrator.
(5) A driver who is subject to post-accident testing
shall remain readily available for such testing or
may be deemed by the employer to have refused to
submit to testing. Nothing in this section shall
be construed to require the delay of necessary
medical attention for injured people following an
accident or to prohibit a driver from leaving the
scene of an accident for the period necessary to
obtain assistance in responding to the accident, or
to obtain necessary emergency medical care.
(6) The results of a breath or blood test for the use
of alcohol, or a urine test for the use of
controlled substances, conducted by Federal, state,
or local officials having independent authority for
the test, shall be considered to meet the
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requirements of this section, provided that the
results of the tests are obtained by the city.
c. Random Testina.
Each calendar year, the City shall conduct a minimum
annual percentaqe rate for random alcohol testing of 25 percent of
the average number of driver positions which are subject to this
policy, and random controlled substances testing of a minimum of 50
percent of the average number of driver positions. The minimum
annual percentage rate will be adjusted each year so that it is
consistent with the rates set by the Federal Highway
Administration.
The selection of drivers for random testing shall be
made by a scientifically valid method, such as a random number
table of a computer-based random number generator that is matched
with drivers' Social Security numbers, payroll identification
numbers, or other comparable identifying numbers. Under the
selection process used, each employee shall have an equal chance of
being tested each time selections are made.
Random alcohol and controlled substances tests conducted
under this policy will be unannounced and the dates for
administering the tests will be spread reasonably throughout the
calendar year. Each employee who is notified of selection for
random alcohol and I or controlled substances testing must proceed to
the test site immediately.
D. Reasonable suspicion Testina.
All employees shall be required to submit to urine
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testing and/ or blood testing in accordance wi th the procedures
established by this policy when there is reasonable suspicion to
believe that the employee is impaired by drugs or alcohol. The
determination that reasonable suspicion exists to require said
testing must be based on specific, contemporaneous, articulable
observations concerning the appearance, behavior, speech, body
odors of the employee, or indications of the chronic and withdrawal
effects of controlled substances. The observations may be based
upon observable phenomena such as direct observation of drug use or
possession and/or the physical symptoms of being under the
influence of a drug, a pattern of abnormal conduct or behavior or
indications of chronic or withdrawal effects of controlled
substances.
The required observations shall be made by a supervisor
or company official who is trained in accordance with this policy.
The person who makes the determination that reasonable suspicion
exists to conduct an alcohol test shall not conduct the alcohol
test of the driver. Testing will be required when the observations
amounting to reasonable suspicion are made during, just preceding,
or just after the period of the work day that the employee is
required to be in compliance with this policy.
If an alcohol test required by this section is not
administered within two hours following a determination of
reasonable suspicion, the supervisor shall prepare and maintain on
file a record stating the reasons the alcohol test was not promptly
administered. If an alcohol test required by this section is not
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administered within eight hours following the determination of
reasonable suspicion, the supervisor shall cease attempts to
administer an alcohol test and shall state in the record the
reasons for not administering the test. The City shall not take
any action under this policy against an employee based solely on
the employee's behavior and appearance, with respect to alcohol
use, in the absence of an alcohol test.
Notwithstanding the absence of a reasonable suspicion
alcohol test under this section, no employee shall report for duty
or remain on duty requiring the performance of safety-sensitive
,functions while the employee is under the influence of or impaired
by alcohol, as shown by the behavioral, speech, and performance
indicators of alcohol misuse, nor shall the City permit the
employee to perform or continue to perform safety-sensitive
functions, until:
(1) An alcohol test is administered and the employee's
alcohol concentration measures less than 0.02; or
(2) Twenty-four (24) hours have elapsed following the
determination that there is reasonable suspicion to
believe that the employee has violated the
prohibitions in this policy concerning the use of
alcohol.
A written record shall be made of the observations
leading to a controlled substance reasonable suspicion test, and
signed by the supervisor or City official who made the
observations, within 24 hours of the observed behavior or before
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the results of the controlled substances test are released,
whichever is earlier.
F. Return-to-Dutv Testinq.
supervisors shall ensure that before an employee returns
to duty requiring the performance of a safety-sensitive function
after engaging in conduct prohibited by this policy, the employee
shall undergo, depending on the violation, a return-to-dutyalcohol
test with a result indicating an alcohol concentration of less th~n
0.02, or a return-to-duty controlled substances test with a result
indicating a verified negative result for controlled substances
use.
G. Follow-Up Testinq.
FOllowing a determination under this policy that an
employee is in need of assistance in resolving problems associated
with alcohol misuse and/or use of controlled substances, the City
shall ensure that the employee is subject to unannounced follow-up
alcohol and/ or controlled substances testing as directed by a
substances abuse professional in accordance with the provisions of
Section 7.0 of this policy.
Follow-up alcohol testing shall be conducted only when
the employee is performing safety-sensitive functions, just before
the employee is to perform safety-sensitive functions, or just
after the employee has ceased performing safety-sensitive features.
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12.0 CONSE~UENCES FOR DRIVERS ENGAGING IN SUBSTANCE USE-
RELATED CONDUCT:
A. Removal from safety-sensitive functions.
No driver shall perform safety-sensitive functions if
the driver has engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy.
B. Reauired Evaluation and Testing.
No driver who has engaged in conduct prohibited by this
policy shall perform safety-sensitive functions unless the driver
has met the requirements of section 7.0 of this policy.
C. other Alcohol-Related Conduct.
No driver tested under the provisions of this policy who
is found to have an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or greater, but
less than 0.04, shall perform or continue to perform safety-
sensitive functions for the City, nor shall the City permit the
driver to perform or continue to perform safety-sensitive
functions, until the start of the driver's next regularly scheduled
duty period, )but not less than 24 hours following administration of
the test. Except as provided herein, the City shall not take any
action under this part against a driver based solely on the test
results showing an alcohol concentration less than 0.04.
13.0 RESULTS OF DRUG AND/OR ALCOHOL ANALYSIS:
A. Performance of Confirmation Test.
If the initial screening test is positive, the
laboratory will perform a confirmation test by the technique known
as GasChromatographY/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), before reporting
a positive result to the City. In all cases of confirmed positive
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test results, the employee will have the opportunity to explain or
rebut the results and to substantiate the explanation with medical
evidence, which could include, at the employee's expense, an
additional confirmation test of the same specimen.
B. Valid prescription for Druas/Medications.
In the case of prescribed drugs/medications, if the
employee does not have a valid prescription, or if the prescription
is not in the employee's' name, or if the employee has n9t
previously notified the supervisor that he or she is taking any
medications or drugs as required herein, the employee may be
subject to disciplinary action.
C. Investiaation bY city if Drua and/or
Alcohol Analysis is positive.
If a drug and/or alcohol analysis is positive for
alcohol and/or drug presence, the City shall conduct an
investigation to gather all facts. The City will cooperate in an
employee's voluntary effort to obtain treatment and rehabilitation.
However, this policy shall not in any way limit the city pursuant
to its authority independent of this policy from taking any action
otherwise consistent with the law.
14.0 CONFIDENTIALITY:
Laboratory reports or test results shall not appear in any
employee's personnel file. Information of this nature will be
included in a separate, confidential, secured medical folder. The
reports or test results may be disclosed to City management on a
strictly need-to-know basis and to the tested employee upon
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request. Disclosures, without patient consent, may also occur
when: (1) the information is compelled by law or by judicial or
administrative process; (2) the information has been placed at
issue in a formal dispute between the employer and employee; (3)
the information is to be used in administering an employee benefit
plan and/or; (4) the information is needed by medical personnel for
the diagnosis or treatment of the patient who is unable to
authorize disclosure.
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DRUG , ALCOHOL TESTING POLICY
I have received a copy of the City of Vernon Drug & Alcohol Testing
Policy For Employees Subject to Department of Transportation
Testing Regulations.
The term "Reasonable Suspicion" has been explained to me. The
procedure and/or penalty that has been set if it is determined that
I am under the influence of drugs or alcohol during working hours
has also been explained to me.
I understand the procedure following the "Reasonable Suspicion,"
and the penalty for being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
during working hours.
I also agree to abide by the policy and acknowledge that the policy
in no way limits my rights or the City of Vernon's rights under the
at-will emploYment relationship which exists between myself and the
city.
I consent to taking the tests which are required under the
circumstances indicated in the policy.
Date
signature
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