Last updated : December 16, 2024
Post-accident drug testing is a powerful tool to protect Denver employers, both in terms of workers comp costs and potential legal liabilities.
What is post-accident drug testing?
Post-accident drug testing is a way to identify whether drug use played a role in a workplace accident, which is especially important because of Denver’s recreational marijuana laws. It’s important to point out that despite the fact that marijuana has been legalized here, the US Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld an employer’s right to conduct drug testing and enforce a drug free workplace.
How is post-accident drug testing conducted?
Following a workplace accident where there are demonstrable signs of impairment, such as slurred speech or difficulty balancing, a supervisor will determine if a post-accident drug test is necessary. If the supervisor determines that it is, then they will contact their USA Mobile Drug Testing representative, who will immediately send a collection specialist to the employee’s location to conduct a drug test.
Once an employee is notified that they will be subject to a post-accident drug test, they will proceed immediately to the collection site. Any time spent taking a required drug test is considered working hours according to the Fair Labor Standards Act, so employees must be paid for that time. USAMDT of Denver will set up a collection site at your location or any location of your choice, so there is very little downtime and employees don’t have the opportunity to cheat the test.
Results can be obtained from urine, saliva, or hair samples, so we can conduct post-accident drug testing anywhere, even if privacy is not available.
What will show up in a drug test?
There are various types of drug tests, including 5 panel, 10 panel, and non-standard drug tests, enabling employers to test for:
- Amphetamines (meth, speed, crank, ecstasy)
- THC (cannabinoids, marijuana, hash)
- Cocaine (coke, crack)
- Opiates (heroin, opium, codeine, morphine)
- Phencyclidine (PCP, angel dust)
- Barbiturates (phenobarbital, butalbital, secobarbital, downers)
- Benzodiazepines (tranquilizers like Valium, Librium, Xanax)
- Methaqualone (Quaaludes)
- Methadone (often used to treat heroin addiction)
- Propoxyphene (Darvon compounds)
- Hallucinogens (LSD, mushrooms, mescaline, peyote)
- Inhalants (paint, glue, hairspray)
- Anabolic steroids (synthesized, muscle-building hormones)
- Hydrocodone (prescription medication known as Lortab, Vicodin, Oxycodone)
- MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy)
Who can see the results of a drug test?
Drug test results are considered personal health information, so there are restrictions on whether and how the information can be shared with others. This is why a release form must be signed prior to drug testing. More information about these restrictions can be found on the HIPAA Web site or by contacting your USAMDT of Denver representative.