Central Alabama Water gives company-wide random drug tests. Numerous individuals have tested positive.
The new management at Central Alabama Water (CAW) is continuing its efforts to comply with nationally recognized standards and procedures. This week, that meant conducting its first full-staff random drug tests on Monday.
The tests follow the adoption and implementation of a new employee handbook and a renewed focus on best practices from leading utilities around the nation. [R&A Comment – You don’t have to be a Utility to have safety sensitive positions. This previous blog post addresses Following Science Means Saying No to Marijuana ]
CBS42 reported that, according to CAW spokesperson John Matson, the testing served as a baseline and that CAW will conduct drug testing moving forward. Matson said CAW has a zero-tolerance policy for substance use and that failing to meet those standards will result in termination. [R&A Comment – This previous blog post addresses the pros and cons of a zero-tolerance policy.]
A source with knowledge of the situation told 1819 News that around half of the staff were tested on Monday, and 30 tested positive; however, not all test results were in. Additionally, not everyone who tests positive will be terminated, as some employees may be taking prescription medications that could show up.
“The CEO and the Senior Executive Team initiated a company-wide drug test just days after releasing a new employee handbook and three days before the first company town hall,” part of a statement from the employee association read.
James P. Randisi, President of Randisi & Associates, Inc., has been helping employers protect their clients, workforce and reputation through implementation of employment screening and drug testing programs since 1999. This post does not constitute legal advice. Randisi & Associates, Inc. is not a law firm. Always contact competent employment legal counsel. To learn more about the rights of employees who test positive for marijuana, Mr. Randisi can be contacted by phone at 410.336.0287 or Email: info@randisiandassociates.com or the website at Randisiandassociates.com
