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Employer Rx/OTC Policy Guidance
All FTA employers are strongly encouraged to
develop a policy statement addressing the use of prescription (Rx) and
over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Even though the policy is not an FTA
requirement, a policy statement is an essential part of a comprehensive
program designed to educate transit employees on the potential safety
risks associated with the use of Rx and OTC medications by employees who
perform safety-sensitive duties. An effective Rx/OTC policy statement will
include the following provisions:
Emphasis on safety--statement of risks associated with Rx/OTC use.
Statement of purpose: to balance the treatment of medical conditions
with requirements of performing safety-sensitive job duties. Not
intended to force employees in need of medical attention to work. Not
intended to keep employees receiving medical treatment off duty who are
able to work.
Requirements for obtaining medical input into an employee’s
fitness-for-duty. The policy should address the use of Rx/OTC in
relation to the underlying medical condition or illness in determining
an employee’s ability to safely perform safety-sensitive duties.
Statement regarding the removal of employees from safety-sensitive
duty who are impaired by Rx/OTC medications. Describe responsibility for
employee initiated removal and management initiated removal.
An attendance policy that reflects Rx/OTC-use related absences. Be
careful that your attendance policy does not inadvertently encourage
employees from reporting for work or remaining on duty when impaired by
illness or Rx/OTC use (i.e., no sick leave; Rx/OTC use ineligible for
leave, etc.). Be sure to consider Rx/OTC use when establishing
limitations on sick leave use.
Limitations on use of certain types of medication. Employers may
choose to prohibit certain types of medications or medications with
specific types of warnings or side effects. At a minimum, medications
that cause drowsiness, fatigue or have warning labels that caution
against the operation of machines, heavy equipment, or automobiles
should be prohibited. Requirements for obtaining medical authorization
to use certain medications.
Employer responsibility for final determination.
Definition of employees’ responsibilities.
Employee reporting requirements.
Consequences for policy violations including the use of Rx/OTC that
contributes to cause or severity of an accident and failure to report
use or obtain medical authorization, if required.
Statement of confidentiality in relation to records and interaction
with medical practitioners.
Employers should refrain from policies that are based
solely on the employee’s perception of impairment. Employees are commonly
unaware or unable to accurately ascertain their degree of impairment and
may report for work or remain on duty when they pose a safety risk to
themselves, other transit system employees and the general public. Thus,
employers are discouraged from developing policies that rely solely on
employee self-assessment and instead, are encouraged to develop policies
that require a medical evaluation and input into an individual’s overall
fitness for duty. |
Where to Find? .....
Conforming Products List
Evidential Breath Testing (EBT) Devices
July 21, 2000
Federal Register Vol.65
Pages 45419 - 45423
Primary Topic: Conforming Products List (CPL)
Website location:
www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/ alcohol
Note: This list will be updated periodically.
Non-evidential Testing Devices
May 4, 2001
Federal Register Vol.66
Pages 22639 - 22640
Primary Topic: Initial Alcohol Screening Devices
Note: This list will be updated periodically.
The information presented on this page should be used
to update Chapter 5 of the revised Implementation Guidelines. |