HomeMy WebLinkAboutPolicy 22 - Drug Free Workplace Policy and ProcedurePage 1 of 21
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject
DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY AND
PROCEDURE
Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
22 9/19/90 11/8/23
A.Policy
The Otay Water District (“District”) has zero tolerance for the use
of controlled substances or the abuse of alcohol. Employees who are
under the influence of a drug or alcohol on the job compromise the
District’s interests and endanger their own health and safety as well
as the health and safety of others. The District prohibits the use,
possession, manufacture, distribution, or being under the influence
of alcohol or controlled substances by any District employee while
on District property or while on duty, except as specified herein.
Violation of this policy is an act of misconduct meriting dismissal
without prior warning or disciplinary action in accordance with the
District’s Discipline Policy and Procedures.
Effective January 1, 2024, the District will abide by California
Assembly Bill 2188 (AB 2188).
1.Non-Discrimination:
a.It is the District’s policy to comply with AB 2188, which
prohibits discrimination against individuals based on the
presence of non-psychoactive cannabis metabolites detected in
employer-required drug screening tests. The District will not
discriminate against employees or job applicants based on
such test results.
b.Exceptions for Safety Reasons: There are limited exceptions
to the off-duty cannabis use policy. The following categories
of employees are not covered by the protection of AB 2188:
•Building and construction trades employees
•Federal contractors
•Federal funding recipients
•Federal licensees required to maintain drug-free
workplaces.
2.Cannabis Use on the Job:
Employees are prohibited from possessing, being impaired by, or
using cannabis while on the job. This includes all work-related
activities and premises. Violation of this policy may result in
Page 2 of 21
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject
DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY AND
PROCEDURE
Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
22 9/19/90 11/8/23
disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
3.Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace:
a.AB 2188 does not affect the District’s commitment to
maintaining a drug and alcohol-free workplace. All employees
are expected to comply with the District’s existing policies
regarding substance abuse. Violation of these policies may
result in disciplinary action, up to and including
termination.
B.Exceptions
The following exceptions apply to this policy:
1.Events - Authorized Use of Alcohol
The General Manager or their designee, at their discretion, may
authorize the use of alcohol at a District event, subject to any
conditions they elect to impose.
2.Prescription Medications And Over-The-Counter Drugs
Employees are responsible to report to duty free from the effects
of any controlled substance or alcohol. Covered employees must
report the use of prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs that
could have a disabling effect, bares a prescription warning label
or otherwise adversely affect the covered employee’s fitness for
duty or job performance to their immediate supervisor (without
giving the name of prescription/over-the-counter drug).
It is the covered employee’s responsibility to determine from the
physician, pharmacist, or other health care professional whether
or not the prescribed or over-the-counter drugs could affect the
covered employee’s fitness for duty or impair job performance.
Covered employees may be required to provide a written medical
authorization to work from a physician, upon reporting the use
of prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Failure to report the
use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs that have disabling
effects or otherwise affect the covered employee’s fitness for
duty while at work and failure to provide proper evidence of
Page 3 of 21
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject
DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY AND
PROCEDURE
Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
22 9/19/90 11/8/23
medical authorization to work may result in discipline, up to and
including suspension and/or termination. The District may require
a note from the employee’s doctor concerning authorization for a
prescription and/or the possible side effects of the prescribed
drugs. The District shall comply with all applicable laws
concerning the privacy of employees’ medical information.
With respect to an applicant, use of an over-the-counter drug,
or a prescription-only drug under a prescription for the
applicant, in the manner prescribed, will not disqualify the
applicant for employment if they satisfactorily explain such use
upon being informed of a positive test for controlled
substances. The District may require a note from the applicant’s
doctor concerning authorization for a prescription and/or the
possible side effects of the prescribed drugs.
C.Definitions
1.Accident:
a.Any accident, in which an employee is driving on District
business, and is at fault or suspected of having significantly
contributed to an accident. This shall apply to employees
covered under this policy.
b.Any accident, not involving the driving of a District vehicle,
that is reasonably believed by management or credibly reported
by another person to have been caused by an on-duty employee
and which results in serious physical injury.
2.Controlled Substance:
a.Any drug or substance identified by section 40.85 of title 49
of the Code of Federal Regulations or sections 11054-11058 of
the California Health and Safety Code.
b.Any drug or substance.
3.Dilute Specimen: A specimen with creatinine and specific gravity
values that are lower than expected for human urine or a specimen
that is adulterated in any way.
Page 4 of 21
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject
DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY AND
PROCEDURE
Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
22 9/19/90 11/8/23
4.Drug Paraphernalia: This term has the same definition as is used
in section 11364.5(d) of the California Health and Safety Code
and applies only to paraphernalia deemed unlawful under section
11364.5(d).
5.Manager/Management: A District employee who is designated as a
supervisor, manager, or executive.
6.Medical Review Officer (MRO): A person who is a licensed physician
and who is responsible for receiving and reviewing laboratory
results for substance tests and evaluating medical explanations
for certain test results.
7.Negative: A person is considered to have tested negative for a
substance if their substance test does not produce a positive
result.
8.Positive: A person is considered positive for alcohol if they
have an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater at the time they
submit to testing. A person is considered positive for a
Controlled Substance if they have any amount of a Controlled
Substance at or above a “cutoff concentration” specified in
section 40.87 of title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations at
the time they submit to testing.
9.Reasonable Suspicion: A reasonable suspicion exists that a person
may be under the influence of a substance if a trained observer
(who has received the appropriate training to recognize the signs
and symptoms of drug and alcohol use) reasonably comes to the
conclusion that the person may be under the influence of a
substance due to having personally observed, with respect to the
person, some or all of the effects specified in Appendix A of
this policy.
Additionally, a reasonable suspicion exists that a person is under
the influence of a substance if an observer has seen the person
use a substance.
No one factor is sufficient to create a reasonable suspicion, but
an observer may make a reasonable assessment based on the
Page 5 of 21
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject
DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY AND
PROCEDURE
Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
22 9/19/90 11/8/23
quantity, degree, and/or severity of applicable factors.
10.Refusal to Submit to Testing. Each of the following constitutes
a refusal to submit to testing:
a.Failing to immediately report for substance testing when
directed to do so;
b.Failing to complete the testing process (including signing
any forms necessary to authenticate or identify a specimen);
c.Failing to provide an adequate amount of breath, oral fluids,
or urine for a test;
d.Failing to cooperate with any aspect of the testing process,
including but not limited to refusing to wash hands when
directed, being confrontational with testing personnel;
e.Using or wearing a prosthetic device to interfere with the
collection process;
f.Admitting to adulterating or diluting the specimen; or
g.Any act or failure to act that is intended to interfere with
the testing or alter the results of the testing.
11.Safety-Sensitive Duties: Duties, which consist of any of the
following:
Operating any assigned District vehicle or equipment;
Working in “confined spaces” as that term is defined in
District regulations or Cal/OSHA regulations;
Performing maintenance on any vehicle;
Loading, unloading, or attending any District vehicle or
equipment;
Access to sensitive/classified information related to
emergency response, safety, or security duties;
Participation in Hazardous Materials (HazMat) and Confined
Space Operations Rescue Team;
Work performed at elevated or depth locations more than four
Page 6 of 21
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject
DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY AND
PROCEDURE
Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
22 9/19/90 11/8/23
feet (4’) above or below ground; or
Work involving the use or disposal of hazardous chemicals as
that term is defined in District regulations or Cal/OSHA
regulations.
12.Serious Physical Injury: An injury to an employee that causes the
employee to be absent from work following an Accident or which
requires hospitalization of the employee.
13.Substance: Any substance containing alcohol or any Controlled
Substance.
14.Under the Influence: With respect to alcohol, a person is under
the influence at the time they are ordered to submit to testing
if they test Positive for alcohol at the time they submit to
testing. With respect to Controlled Substances, a person is under
the influence at the time they are ordered to submit to testing
if they test Positive for a Controlled Substance at the time they
submit to testing.
D.Testing Procedures
When an employee or applicant is to be tested, the District shall
use the testing procedures that are used for testing under the DOT
Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy, including the procedures for testing
a “split specimen,” as that term is defined in section 40.3 of
title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The service providers
shall comply with section 40.47 of title 49 of the Code of Federal
Regulations except they shall use a non-federal custody and control
form for applicants and employees. Drug Screening Method: As part of
the District’s drug screening process on non-DOT positions, the
District may utilize lab-based oral fluid testing. This method does
not test for THC metabolites, specifically Carboxy-THC. Instead, the
District’s focus is on detecting the parent drug, Delta-9-THC. This
policy is subject to change based on future developments in the law
or regulations, or available drug screening methods.
1.Alcohol Testing
Alcohol testing will be conducted using evidential breath testing
Page 7 of 21
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject
DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY AND
PROCEDURE
Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
22 9/19/90 11/8/23
devices (“EBT”) approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration. A screening test must be conducted first. If the
result is an alcohol concentration level of less than 0.02, the
test is considered a Negative test. If the alcohol concentration
level is 0.02 or more, a second confirmation test must be
conducted. Alcohol testing shall be accomplished by Breath Alcohol
Technician.
2.Controlled Substance Testing
a.The test must be conducted by analyzing the employee's oral
fluid.
b.The sample shall be tested at a laboratory certified by the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
c.The sample specimen must be split into two bottles labeled as
“primary” and “split” specimen. Both bottles must be sent to
the laboratory.
d.If the primary sample specimen tests Positive for the presence
of illegal Controlled Substances, the employee has 72 hours
from time of notification by the MRO to request the split
specimen be analyzed by a different certified laboratory.
e.The sample shall be tested for the following: marijuana parent
drug, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, Methamphetamines, MDMA,
Barbiturates, Benzodiazepine, Methadone, and phencyclidine
(“PCP”). All tests will be performed following AB 2188. By
using oral fluids the window of detection becomes less than
urinalysis.
f.If the test is Positive for one or more of the drugs listed
in subsection “e” above, a confirmation test must be performed
using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis.
g.All drug test results will be reviewed and interpreted by the
MRO before they are reported to the District.
Page 8 of 21
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject
DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY AND
PROCEDURE
Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
22 9/19/90 11/8/23
h.With all Positive drug tests, the MRO will contact the
employee to determine if there is a medical explanation for
the Positive test result. If documentation is provided and
the MRO determines that there is a legitimate medical use for
the prohibited drug, the test result will be reported to the
District as Negative.
E.Testing
1.Persons Subject to Substance Screening
All applicants for employment will have a pre-employment drug
test;
All employees reasonably suspected of using Substances while
on duty or on District property or while working while Under
The Influence of Substances;
All employees reasonably suspected of possessing,
manufacturing, or distributing Substances while on duty or on
District property;
Any employee at fault or reasonably suspected of having
significantly contributed to an Accident while on duty;
Any employee who performs Safety-Sensitive Duties whose name
is selected for testing pursuant to the District’s random
testing procedure; or
Any District employee who applies for and is selected for a
position that will require the performance of Safety-
Sensitive Duties. The list of positions requiring the
performance of Safety-Sensitive Duties will be maintained by
Human Resources.
2.Pre-employment, Promotions and Transfer Drug Screening
Pre-employment Drug Screening: The District will conduct
scientifically valid pre-employment drug screenings that do not
screen for non-psychoactive cannabis metabolites. If a positive
result is obtained from this testing, the District may take action
Page 9 of 21
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject
DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY AND
PROCEDURE
Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
22 9/19/90 11/8/23
based on it, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
All applicants for employment shall, as part of their pre-
employment process, submit to a drug test or other legally
authorized testing methods as selected by the District for
Substances.
Any District employee who applies for a position that will require
the performance of Safety-Sensitive Duties shall, as a
precondition to appointment to such position, submit to a urine
analysis or other legally authorized testing method as selected
by the District for Substances.
3.Random Testing of Safety-Sensitive Duty Employees
Each year the District shall randomly conduct Substance tests of
employees who perform Safety-Sensitive Duties. Based on the
number of such employees employed by the District on January 1,
the District shall conduct by the following December 31, a
number of tests for Controlled Substances equal to 50 percent of
the total number of employees who perform Safety-Sensitive
Duties, or the minimum amount required by DOT regulations,
whichever is greater. Within the same time period, the District
shall randomly conduct a number of tests for alcohol equal to
10 percent of the same number of safety-sensitive employees, or
the minimum amount required by DOT regulations, whichever is
greater.
The General Manager will contract with a third-party
administrator (TPA) to perform the random selection of employee
names for Substance abuse/alcohol testing. The service provider
must ensure that every Safety-Sensitive employee has an equal
chance of being selected each time a name is randomly drawn and
that any employee whose name is selected is not exempt from having
their name selected in any subsequent drawing in the same year.
The service provider shall provide the selected names to the
Safety and Security Specialist and/or Human Resources Manager,
Page 10 of 21
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject
DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY AND
PROCEDURE
Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
22 9/19/90 11/8/23
or designee, who shall not disclose this information to any other
person except to the employee selected for testing and the
employee’s supervisor at the time that the employee is required
to submit to testing. If the employee is absent from duty on a
date that they have been randomly selected for testing, an
alternate name may be selected or they may be required to submit
to a test immediately upon returning to work, without prior
notice.
Upon being informed that they are required to submit to a random
test, the employee must report to the testing location, as quickly
as possible but no greater than one (1) hour from being informed,
and complete testing directed by personnel at the testing
location. Upon completing testing, the employee shall report back
to duty if their duty day has not yet concluded.
Random testing is separate from the other forms of testing
described in this policy. An employee who submits to a Reasonable
Suspicion or post-Accident test does not satisfy the requirement
that they submit to a random test when ordered.
4.Post-Accident Testing
If any employee is involved in an Accident that under this policy
requires that the employee submit to Substance testing, the
employee’s supervisor shall immediately contact Human Resources
and the Safety and Security Specialist to report the Accident and
the necessity of testing. After consultation with Human
Resources, if it is determined that the employee should be tested,
then the supervisor shall direct the employee to report to the
testing location and complete the test as directed by personnel
at the testing location. The supervisor shall arrange to transport
the employee to the testing location. Upon completing testing,
the employee shall report back to duty if their duty day has not
yet concluded, unless a Reasonable Suspicion exists, based on the
observation of the employee’s supervisor and in consultation with
Human Resources, that the employee was Under the Influence of a
Substance at the time or shortly after the Accident. If such a
Page 11 of 21
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject
DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY AND
PROCEDURE
Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
22 9/19/90 11/8/23
Reasonable Suspicion exists, the employee shall be released from
duty for the remainder of the day. The supervisor, in consultation
with Human Resources, thereafter shall determine on a day-to-day
basis whether to permit the employee to return to duty, until the
results of the test have returned. If an employee has been ordered
to submit to Substance testing for post-Accident testing, and
Reasonable Suspicion exists, the District may place the employee
on leave without pay pending the test results. If the employee’s
test results are Negative, the District shall restore any salary
lost by the employee for the days they were on leave, as though
the employee had reported for duty.
If the employee requires immediate medical assistance due to the
Accident, such that they are unable to report to the testing
location, the supervisor shall coordinate with the TPA and
hospital to conduct the test or require the employee to report
to the testing location as soon as is practicable.
The determination as to whether an employee is involved in an
Accident shall be made by the employee’s supervisor in
consultation with the Safety and Security Specialist and Human
Resources, based on the information available to they/them. If
it cannot be immediately determined whether the employee was
involved in an Accident, the supervisor shall not order the
employee to testing until a determination can be made.
The following criteria apply when conducting drug and alcohol
tests due to an Accident:
a.A breath alcohol test must be administered as soon as
possible. Every effort should be made to ensure that a breath
alcohol test is performed within eight (8) hours following
the Accident. If testing has not occurred within eight (8)
hours, attempts to test should be discontinued. However, if
testing did not occur within eight (8) hours, and Reasonable
Suspicion existed at the time or shortly after the Accident
the employee may resume duties with their next shift that
Page 12 of 21
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject
DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY AND
PROCEDURE
Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
22 9/19/90 11/8/23
begins after the eight (8) hours have passed. Prior to the
employee’s return, management shall observe the employee’s
condition before the employee is allowed to resume duties to
ensure that there is no longer Reasonable Suspicion.
b.A drug screening test should be initiated prior to the 32nd
hour following an Accident.
c.The employee must remain readily available for testing or he
or she will be deemed to have refused the test (see Refusal
to Submit to Testing). This rule does not require the delay
of necessary medical attention for injured persons following
the Accident nor prohibit the employee from leaving the scene
to obtain assistance or necessary emergency medical care.
d.An employee subject to post-Accident testing may not use
alcohol within eight (8) hours following the Accident or
before an alcohol test, whichever comes first.
e.Testing will not be conducted on any deceased employee.
f.The results of a breath test for the use of alcohol or a drug
test for Controlled Substances, conducted by Federal, State,
or local officials having independent authority for the test,
shall be considered to meet the requirements of this policy
provided such results are obtained by the employer, and
conform to the applicable Federal, State or local
requirements.
g.The potentially affected employee will not be allowed to
proceed alone to or from the collection site. Time spent
complying with post-Accident testing is compensable.
h.Documentation of the activity being performed by the employee
that supports the determination to conduct post-Accident
testing should be prepared and signed by the supervisor
requesting the test within 24 hours of the Accident or before
the results of the drug test are released, if possible.
Page 13 of 21
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject
DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY AND
PROCEDURE
Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
22 9/19/90 11/8/23
5.Reasonable Suspicion Testing
If a supervisor, manager, the Safety and Security Specialist,
and/or other personnel has a Reasonable Suspicion that the
employee is Under the Influence of a Substance while on District
property or on duty, they shall consult with Human Resources
about this observation to determine if testing is appropriate.
After consultation with Human Resources, if it is determined that
the employee should be tested, a supervisor shall direct the
employee to immediately report for testing and complete the test
as directed by personnel at the testing location. The supervisor
shall arrange to transport the employee to the testing location.
If the person who advises Human Resources of the Reasonable
Suspicion is not the employee’s supervisor, Human Resources must
immediately notify the supervisor of the Reasonable Suspicion,
and the supervisor shall arrange to transport the employee to the
testing location. The supervisor(s) witnessing the impairment
must document the specific observations upon which the Reasonable
Suspicion is based.
Upon completing testing, the employee shall be released from duty
for the remainder of the day. The supervisor, in consultation
with Human Resources, thereafter, shall determine on a day-to-
day basis whether to permit the employee to return to duty, until
the results of the test have returned. If an employee has been
ordered to submit to Substance testing for Reasonable Suspicion,
the District may place the employee on leave without pay pending
the test results. If the employee’s test results are Negative,
the District shall restore any salary lost by the employee for
the days they were on leave, as though the employee had reported
for duty.
The following criteria apply when conducting drug and alcohol
tests due to Reasonable Suspicion:
a.Alcohol
A breath alcohol test must be administered as soon as
possible. Every effort should be made to ensure that a breath
Page 14 of 21
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject
DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY AND
PROCEDURE
Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
22 9/19/90 11/8/23
alcohol test is performed within eight (8) hours. If testing
has not occurred within eight (8) hours, attempts to test
should be discontinued and the employee may resume duties with
their next shift that begins after the eight (8) hours have
passed. However, prior to the employee’s return, management
shall observe the employee’s condition before the employee is
allowed to resume duties to ensure that there is no longer
Reasonable Suspicion.
b.Controlled Substances
A test for Controlled Substances must be administered as soon
as possible. Every effort should be made to ensure the sample
is performed as soon as possible but no later than 32 hours
of the observation.
c.The employee may not proceed alone to or from the collection
site. The supervisor or other appropriate person making the
observation shall arrange to transport the employee to and
from the testing site.
d.Documentation to support the determination to conduct
Reasonable Suspicion testing should be prepared and signed by
the person who made the determination within 24 hours of the
determination or before the results of the test are released,
whichever is earlier, if possible.
6.Acknowledgment and Consent
Any employee subject to testing under this policy will be asked
to sign a form acknowledging the procedures governing testing,
and consenting to (1) the collection of a sample to determine the
presence of Controlled Substances, and/or Breath for Alcohol and
(2) the release to the District of medical information regarding
the test results. Refusal to sign the agreement and consent form,
or to submit to the drug test, will result in the revocation of
an applicant’s job offer, or will subject an employee to
discipline up to and including termination.
Page 15 of 21
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject
DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY AND
PROCEDURE
Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
22 9/19/90 11/8/23
7.Refusal to Submit to Testing
If an applicant refuses to submit to testing for any Substance,
the applicant is disqualified for employment. If a District
employee who has applied for a position that requires the
performance of Safety-Sensitive Duties refuses to submit to
testing for any Substance, the employee is disqualified for such
position.
If an employee refuses to submit to testing for any Substance,
the District may treat such refusal as an act of insubordination.
The District shall also impose the same disciplinary action of
dismissal for a refusal to test that it would impose for a
Positive test result, so as not to encourage employees to refuse
to test in the hope of avoiding more severe disciplinary action.
The District may immediately place an employee on leave without
pay if the employee refuses to submit for testing.
8.Refusal to Authorize Disclosure of Results of Testing
If an applicant refuses to authorize the disclosure of the testing
results to the District, the applicant is disqualified for
employment. If a District employee who has applied for a position
that requires the performance of Safety-Sensitive Duties refuses
to authorize the disclosure of the test results to the District,
the employee is disqualified for such position.
If an employee refuses to authorize the disclosure of results of
testing to the District, the District will impose the same
disciplinary action of dismissal for a refusal to authorize the
disclosure of results of testing, that it would impose for a
Positive test result, so as not to encourage employees to refuse
to authorize the disclosure of test results in the hope of
avoiding more severe disciplinary action.
9.Positive Test
If an applicant tests Positive for a Controlled Substance, they
shall be disqualified for employment unless they meet the
requirements for the over-the-counter/prescription drug exception
Page 16 of 21
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject
DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY AND
PROCEDURE
Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
22 9/19/90 11/8/23
set forth in Section B(2) of this policy. If a District employee
who has applied for a position that requires the performance of
Safety-Sensitive Duties tests Positive for a Substance, the
employee is disqualified for such position.
If an employee tests Positive for a Substance, the employee shall
not be returned to duty and shall not receive pay during their
absence until the employee requests that the split urine specimen
be tested and the test of that specimen is not Positive for a
Substance.
This unpaid absence shall not be considered a disciplinary or
punitive action against the employee and any record of such
absence shall be maintained separately from the employee’s
personnel file. The absence is for the administrative and safety
interests of the District. This unpaid absence has no effect on
the District’s decision or ability to discipline an employee for
violating this policy.
If the MRO determines that an employee’s specimen is a Dilute
Specimen and the specimen is Positive for a Substance, the
employee shall be considered to have tested Positive for that
Substance. If a Dilute Specimen produces a Negative result then
the employee shall be required to submit to a second Substance
test, in the manner prescribed in section 40.197 of title 49 of
the Code of Federal Regulations.
10.Request for Retest
If an employee tests Positive for any Substance, the employee
may, within 72 hours of being notified of the Positive test
result, request of the MRO that the split specimen be tested. If
the employee does not submit a request within 72 hours, the
employee shall be considered to have waived their right to have
the split specimen tested. The employee shall pay for the cost
of testing the split specimen. If the employee is unable to pay
this cost at the time of the request, the District must ensure
Page 17 of 21
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject
DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY AND
PROCEDURE
Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
22 9/19/90 11/8/23
that the split specimen is tested even if it means that the
District may have to initially bear the cost. The District may
recover the cost from the employee at a later time.
If a split specimen does not produce a Positive result for a
Substance, the District shall restore any salary lost by the
employee as a result of an absence imposed because of the Positive
result on the first specimen. The employee shall be considered
to have not tested Positive for a Substance. The District shall
also reimburse the employee for the cost of the retest if the
employee paid for the retest.
The District may not request that the split specimen be tested.
F.Employee Assistance Programs
The District may refer any employee, including an employee who is
dismissed because of a Positive test for a Substance, to its employee
assistance program. If in any instance the District is required to
lawfully accommodate an employee’s disability related to Substance
abuse, the District shall refer the employee to a Substance abuse
professional.
G.Suspicion of Possession/Distribution/Manufacture of Controlled
Substances
If a supervisor has a Reasonable Suspicion that an employee unlawfully
possesses or is distributing or manufacturing a Controlled Substance
or Drug Paraphernalia on or in District property, or while on duty,
the supervisor must report this suspicion to Human Resources.
1.For purposes of Section G only, “Reasonable Suspicion” means the
following:
a.As to possession, the supervisor or a reporting credible
source must have seen a Substance or item on the person of
the employee, in the employee’s work area, or in or on
District property assigned to the use of the employee that
a reasonable person would believe is a Controlled Substance
Page 18 of 21
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject
DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY AND
PROCEDURE
Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
22 9/19/90 11/8/23
or Drug Paraphernalia, or have seen in any of the same areas
a container that a reasonable person would believe contains
a Controlled Substance or Drug Paraphernalia.
b.As to distribution, the supervisor must have seen the
employee convey to another person a Substance or item that
a reasonable person would believe is a Controlled Substance
or Drug Paraphernalia, or have seen the employee convey a
container to another person that a reasonable person would
believe contains a Controlled Substance or Drug
Paraphernalia, or have received a report of observation of
the same from a credible source.
c.As to manufacture, the supervisor must have observed
conditions that a reasonable person would equate to the
manufacture of a Controlled Substance or Drug Paraphernalia,
which may include the observation of smell, appearance, or
sound. The supervisor must also have observed conditions
that would attribute suspected manufacture to the employee,
such as observing these conditions in the employee’s work
area or in or on District property assigned to the use of
the employee. If the conditions are observed on the person
of the employee, the supervisor must consider whether the
employee reported to duty in such condition instead of
changing to such condition while on duty or have received a
report of observation of the same from a credible source.
2.After a report of a Reasonable Suspicion has been made to Human
Resources, the Human Resources Manager must confer with
management representatives to consider whether the reported
observation constituted Reasonable Suspicion and decide what
steps to take in response to the reported observation.
a.If the decision is to take no further action, the matter will
be dismissed.
b.If the decision is to discuss the observation with the
employee, Human Resources and the supervisor will meet with
Page 19 of 21
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject
DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY AND
PROCEDURE
Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
22 9/19/90 11/8/23
the employee to discuss the observation. If as a result of
the discussion, Human Resources and/or the supervisor believe
that a search is necessary, they will confer with management
representatives to determine whether a search will be
conducted.
c.If the decision is to conduct a search, the search must be
limited to a search of District property, such as the
employee’s work area (including desk drawers and file
cabinets), District vehicle or equipment, and District
facilities. The search may be performed by the Human Resources
representative or another person designated by the Human
Resources representative, which may include the supervisor.
The employee does not need to be present during the search.
If any material is retrieved that appears to bear out the
supervisor’s Reasonable Suspicion, the Human Resources
representative must take possession of the material.
d.If the decision is to conduct a search and the distribution
of Controlled Substances or Drug Paraphernalia is reasonably
suspected, the search may include not only the work
area/equipment of the employee suspected of distributing
Controlled Substances or Drug Paraphernalia, but the work
area/equipment of any employee whom was observed receiving
the item from the employee suspected of distributing
Controlled Substances or Drug Paraphernalia. The receiving
employee is entitled to the same rights as the distributing
employee.
e.Any search of the person of the employee or personally-held
possessions of the employee, such as a briefcase, purse,
pocketbook, backpack or personal vehicle, must be conducted
by a law enforcement officer. If the decision to conduct a
search extends to these areas, Human Resources should contact
law enforcement to request such a search.
3.If the Human Resources representative takes possession of any
material as a result of the search, and the employee does not
Page 20 of 21
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject
DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY AND
PROCEDURE
Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
22 9/19/90 11/8/23
confirm that it is a Controlled Substance or Drug Paraphernalia,
the District shall contact the local law enforcement agency and
will forward the Substance to have the item tested/analyzed to
determine if it is a Controlled Substance or Drug Paraphernalia.
If a law enforcement officer takes possession of an item as a
result of a search, and the employee does not confirm that it is
a Controlled Substance or Drug Paraphernalia, the District shall
follow up with the law enforcement agency to verify the item is
a Controlled Substance or Drug Paraphernalia. The employee shall
not return to duty and shall not receive pay during their absence
until the law enforcement agency has verified that the
tested/analyzed item is not Positive for a Controlled Substance
or Drug Paraphernalia. If the tested/analyzed item does not
produce a Positive result for a Controlled Substance or Drug
Paraphernalia, the District shall restore any salary lost by the
employee as a result of the absence.
H.Disciplinary Action
Disciplinary action for violations of this policy will be taken in
accordance with the District’s Discipline Policy and Procedures.
I.Accommodation of Individuals with Disabilities
Nothing in this policy shall be construed so as to relieve the
District of its lawful obligation to accommodate individuals with
disabilities.
J.Confidentiality
All alcohol and drug-testing records will be treated as confidential.
Page 21 of 21
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICY
Subject
DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY AND
PROCEDURE
Policy
Number
Date
Adopted
Date
Revised
22 9/19/90 11/8/23
APPENDIX A
INDICATION OF DRUG USE
REMEMBER THAT THESE SYMPTOMS ARE ONLY INDICATIONS. THEY MAY BE A SIGN
OF SOMETHING OTHER THAN DRUG OR ALCOHOL USE. THIS LIST IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE.
PHYSICAL
1.Increased pulse rate 10. Nasal sores
2.Weak and rapid pulse 11. Slowed respirations
3.Increased blood pressure 12. Shallow respiration
4.Increased body temperature 13. Cold and clammy skin
5.Constricted pupils 14. Chills and sweats
6.Dilated pupils 15. Cramps
7.Bloodshot eyes 16. Nausea
8.Water eyes 17. Convulsions
9.Runny nose
MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL
1.Increased alertness 10. Disorientation
2.Excitation 11. Visual illusions
3.Anxiety 12. Hallucinations
4.Irritability 13. Paranoia
5 Euphoria 14. Delirium
6.Increased emotionality 15. Irrational fears
7.Impaired attention 16. Panic
8.Impaired memory 17. Depressed mood
9.Altered perceptions
BEHAVIORAL
1.Slurred speech 8.Hyperactivity
2.Staggered gait 9.Agitation
3.Fatigue 10. Argumentative
4.Apathy 11. Hostility
5.Drowsiness 12. Tremors
6.Loss of appetite 13. Insomnia
7.Increased appetite 14.Absenteeism patterns