As your company grows to welcome more employees, more jobs and more money will ultimately harvest more risks. A solid D&A policy should be part of your development strategy. Depending on your industry, you may need to strategize your approach to Drug and Alcohol compliance right out of the gate.
So, where do you begin? Right here!
Thinking twice about a D&A policy?
Not only is the industry what you need to think about but also the clients you serve. The larger the clients, the more stringent your safety requirements and drug and alcohol plan needs to be.
Energy Companies develop their own specific policies and will have compliance systems to
ensure you are meeting federal requirements to be approved to work.
Background checks are another requirement that coincides with Drug and Alcohol requirements that are driven by your client’s expectations
What are your risks?
Determining the risks associated with your scope of work is the first step. Answer the following for a clear understanding: What type of jobs will you be taking? How many employees will be exposed? How will the equipment be utilized? Will you have commercial drivers?
Look at risk from the side of your clients. Risk involves more than just the risk to your company.
Every employee working on a job site exposes your clients to risks.
What type and how many employees will you be staffing?
With several employees on staff, you’re likely to need a reliable Drug and Alcohol compliance program.
Will you have drivers?
If so, then start your consortium research immediately. DOT regulations are frequently changing, so it’s best to hire a company you can trust.
Know the law.
As it pertains to employee rights, familiarize yourself with local labor laws. Governing laws vary from state to state and by jurisdiction. You may find it helpful to visit your state’s website where most labor laws are posted.
Which Drug and Alcohol Policy is best for you?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. It can be quite expensive and not the best option to participate in some D&A programs suitable for small businesses with low risks. However, you are fortunate to have found Cascade QMS. We have decades of experience working with a vast variety of businesses around the globe! Reach out for a brief consultation. We will be happy to offer suggestions that may be best for you.
