Employer’s Guide to Return-to-Duty Drug and Alcohol Testing

Keeping your workplace safe starts with the proper screening. For employers in regulated industries, testing after an incident and during the return-to-duty process is not just a best practice—it is required by federal law.

Whether your employees work in transportation, logistics, or any other safety-sensitive position, understanding how and when to conduct drug and alcohol tests is crucial. This includes what happens after an accident and how to support someone coming back to work after a violation.

Why Post-Accident and Return-to-Duty Testing Matters

A clear testing program helps employers reduce liability and support workplace safety. These tests are designed to protect workers, prevent future incidents, and ensure compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations.

Both post-accident drug testing and return-to-duty test procedures are essential tools for identifying whether drugs or alcohol contributed to an incident, or if an employee is truly ready to return to their role. For safety-sensitive positions, these decisions can have a direct impact on lives.

Post-Accident Testing: What Triggers It?

A post-accident drug testing policy enables employers to take immediate action following an incident. According to the Motor Carrier Safety Administration, testing is required when:

• A fatality occurs
• A vehicle needs to be towed from the scene
• Someone is injured and receives a citation
• There is suspicion that drugs or alcohol may have played a role

Employers must act fast. Under federal law, alcohol testing must be done within eight hours, and drug and alcohol tests must be completed within 32 hours. If not, employers are required to document the reason why testing was not performed.

Your policy should outline when testing is required, how tests are administered, and how test results are reviewed.

The Return to Duty Process: What It Involves

An employee who has tested positive for controlled substances or alcohol, or refused to be tested, cannot immediately return to work. Instead, they must undergo a formal return-to-duty process.

This process includes several steps:

Employers must ensure that each step is completed and documented. The SAP plays a central role in determining when the employee is ready to take the return-to-duty drug test and resume duties safely.

Random Drug Testing: A Preventive Measure

Unlike post-incident or return testing, random drug testing is proactive. Employees are randomly tested to ensure ongoing safety and accountability. This type of testing helps detect issues before accidents happen.

For DOT-regulated companies, managing a random drug testing pool is mandatory. Learn more about DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements to ensure full compliance and avoid costly violations. Tests must be unannounced and scheduled using a scientifically valid method. The goal is fairness and surprise, so employees cannot predict when they will be selected.

A comprehensive testing program should include details on how employees are randomly selected for testing, how test results are handled, and the frequency of testing. Employers should also specify which types of tests are used, including:

• Urine drug screens
• Oral fluid collection
• Hair follicle testing
• Breath and blood alcohol test for employment

Understanding the Testing Process and Test Types

Drug and alcohol screening can include various collection methods. Some tests include lab-based confirmation with results reviewed by a Medical Review Officer (MRO). Others offer instant results through digital platforms like eScreen. Learn more about the key differences between rapid drug screens and lab testing.

Common types of tests used in the workplace include:

All methods play a role in a robust testing program and should align with federal law and your company’s policies. In particular, oral fluid drug testing is becoming more widely adopted across industries. Quantisal™ is one tool helping oral drug tests evolve into more reliable, lab-ready solutions.

If your business uses eCup+, an instant drug screening device, or other point-of-collection devices, it is important to note that non-negative results will still be confirmed through lab testing and reviewed by the MRO.

What Happens After a Positive Test?

When an employee tests positive, employers must follow established protocols. This means:

• Immediate removal from duty
• Referral to a Substance Abuse Professional SAP
• No return to work until the employee has successfully completed treatment or education and passed the return-to-duty test

In some cases, the SAP may recommend a series of follow-up tests. These drug and alcohol tests are unannounced and may continue for up to five years.

Employers should also review workers’ compensation policies to understand how violations may affect claims and benefits.

Pre-Employment and Ongoing Screening

A pre-employment drug test is the first step in maintaining a drug-free workplace. It helps ensure that new hires are qualified and prepared for safety-sensitive positions.

Pre-employment screening is a critical first step in building a drug-free workplace. That process sometimes includes a physical exam to determine work readiness, which may vary depending on the role and industry. Here’s what employers should expect during a pre-employment physical.

Beyond hiring, regular and post-incident testing should be part of every employer’s routine. This includes having policies for:

• Testing required after accidents or violations
• Random drug testing for current employees
• Return-to-work evaluations
• Drug screen scheduling and documentation

Programs like those offered by Abbott and InfoMart streamline this process with electronic ordering, online test results, and real-time updates throughout the testing process.

The Role of Abbott and InfoMart

With over 30 years of experience, Abbott provides advanced toxicology services for both regulated and non-regulated industries. Their drug screening services are trusted by many of the largest transportation companies in the U.S.

InfoMart, supported by Abbott, offers a nationwide network of clinics for drug and alcohol testing, DOT physicals, and complete testing program management. 

Services include:

• After-hours and onsite testing coordination
• Integrated SAP and MRO support
• Instant and lab-based drug screen options
• Management of randomly tested employee pools
• DOT return to duty process automation and compliance tracking

InfoMart helps simplify compliance with federal motor carrier regulations and streamline testing for employers.

Final Thoughts

Workplace drug and alcohol testing is not just about following rules—it is about protecting people. A straightforward, compliant process for random drug testing, post-accident drug screening, and the return-to-duty test ensures safer operations and a stronger workforce.

Whether you are managing a safety-sensitive position or supporting a team member through the return-to-duty process, knowing when and how to act makes all the difference.

Need help designing a program that works? Contact InfoMart to learn how our solutions support compliance, protect your team, and simplify every step of the testing process.

About Tammy Cohen

Tammy Cohen, an industry pioneer and expert in identity and employment screening, founded InfoMart 30 years ago. Deemed the “Queen of Screen,” she’s been a force behind industry-leading innovations. She was most recently the first-to-market with a fully compliant sanctions search, as well as a suite of identity services that modernizes talent onboarding. Tammy revolutionized the screening industry when she stepped into the field, developing the first client-facing application and a due diligence criminal search that has since become standard for all background screening companies. Cohen has received national awards and honors for her business and civic involvement, including Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Top 25 Women-Owned Firms in Atlanta, Enterprising Women Magazine’s Enterprising Women of the Year award, the YWCA of Northwest Georgia’s Kathryn Woods Racial Justice Award, and a commendation in the 152nd Congressional Record.

About InfoMart

InfoMart has been revolutionizing the global background and identity screening industry for 30 years, providing businesses the information they need to make informed hiring decisions. They develop innovative technology that modernizes talent onboarding, including a first-to-market biometric identity authentication application and a verified sanctions search. The WBENC-certified company is a founding member of the Professional Background Screening Association, and they have achieved PBSA accreditation in recognition of their consistent business practices and commitment to compliance with the FCRA. The company is dedicated to customer service, speed, and accuracy, and it has been recognized for its success, workplace culture, and corporate citizenship with over 45 industry awards. To Get the Whole Story on InfoMart, please visit www.InfoMart-USA.com, follow @InfoMartUSA, or call (770) 984-2727.