Drug and Alcohol Testing Consortiums - What are they and why do we need them?

 before they can become a danger to others.
A consortium is simply a group of independentFor example, CDL truck drivers with their own
businesses that join together for a commonauthority, USCG licensed captains and their crew
purpose. In this case, the intent is to provide anon charter boats, train operators, pilots, airplane
opportunity to satisfy the federal drug and alcoholmechanics, manufacturers and many other kinds
testing laws. Heavy fines are imposed for thoseof companies all have positions of safety sensitive
who are required to belong to some kind ofresponsibility. That is where errors on their jobs
program, but neglect to do so.can result in injury to another person. These
In life today our individual safety often rests inindividuals and groups must belong to a program
someone else’s hands. We expect to gothat meets the government’s strict testing
through the business of living, unharmed.requirements. Consortiums like the one run by
Unfortunately, sometimes we interact with people will determine where and when a person is to
who are in positions that may injure us. It couldgo for the required random testing. They will also
be another driver, a coworker, a store clerk or acertify that the results are accurate and report
waiter. Usually, it’s not an intentional act. Morethem to the proper authorities.
likely, it’s through a person’s negligenceThese programs are not the perfect answer to
that accidents occur.eliminating work place accidents. But, they are
Sometimes, the negligence is because someone isrequired by law and help to keep us all safer.
using illegal drugs or had too much to drink. And since joining a drug testing consortium is
That’s where the drug and alcohol testingnot a very expensive procedure, they appear to
consortiums come in. The goal of these testingbe a good idea for all of us.
programs is to weed out drug and alcohol users