BC 2011 04 18 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

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April 18, 2011 (Regular Meeting) Page 382 1. The supervisor who first learns that an accident has occurred may direct the employee(s) or vehicle operator(s) involved to submit to drug and alcohol testing. A decision NOT to require such testing of an employee or vehicle operator may only be made by the policy administrator or safety & risk manager. The supervisor shall provide or arrange appropriate transportation for testing. 2. An employee required to submit to drug and alcohol testing following an accident or moving traffic violation must make himself or herself available for testing within three hours of the accident or violation. Failure to be available within such time will be considered a refusal to submit to testing, unless there is a clear hindrance. For example, an employee with life - threatening injuries or injuries that result in death. It is important to emphasize that nothing is to prevent the individual from receiving of required medical attention. 3. If a vehicle operator who is required to submit to drug and alcohol testing following a vehicle accident is unable to report to the regular testing site due to injuries, and drug and /or alcohol testing is conducted pursuant to NCGS 20 -16.2 or pursuant to medical treatment, the vehicle operator shall provide the policy administrator with an authenticated record of the results of that testing. 4. Any mechanic for a County vehicle involved in an accident may be required to submit to drug and alcohol testing if the reason for the accident was a result or suspected result of mechanical or materials failure. 5. The supervisor of a mechanic shall within twenty -four hours of an accident, review the maintenance records for the affected vehicle(s) within one year of the accident and the nature of the work done. As soon as practicable, the supervisor shall obtain the Traffic Accident Report and determine the likelihood that a mechanical or materials failure contributed to the accident. If the supervisor has cause to suspect that a mechanical or materials failure contributed to the accident, he or she shall report the reasons for such suspicion and provide the affected vehicle's maintenance records to the policy administrator. The policy administrator shall determine whether to require the affected mechanic to undergo drug and /or alcohol testing. The mechanic must make himself or herself available for testing the same day he or she receives notice from the policy administrator or designee that drug and /or alcohol testing is required. Failure to make himself or herself available will be considered a refusal to submit to testing. E. Reasonable Suspicion. 1. Any employee is subject to drug or alcohol testing when there is reason to believe that the employee has violated this policy. In making such a determination, the County may consider, but is not limited to considering, any of the following factors: a. Excessive absenteeism or tardiness, frequent or increased illness, frequent absences from workstation or lapses in responsibility; b. A pattern of abnormal conduct or unusual, irrational, or erratic behavior; c. Repeated failure to follow instructions or procedures; d. Violation of safety policies or failure to follow safe work practices; e. Deterioration of job performance; f. Abusive behavior, insolence, insubordination, or other significant change in behavior; g. Mood swings, depression, unusual detachment, euphoria, significantly increased energy, unusual talkativeness or sleepiness; h. Changes in appearance, grooming, demeanor, work habits, or interaction with others; i. Reports of substance abuse from other employees; j. Poor motor coordination or muscle controls, unsteady walking, tremors, nervousness, trouble sitting still, slurred speech; k. Evidence of substance abuse (drug paraphernalia, odor) in the employee's vicinity; 1. Bloodshot or dull eyes dilated or constricted pupils, runny nose, bruises; m. Impaired short -term memory or illogical thinking; n. Involvement as an operator or mechanic of a County owned vehicle that is involved in an accident; o. Arrest for violation of any criminal drug or alcohol statute.