Fitness for Duty: Random Drug and Alcohol Testing Update

From the Human Resources Department

The TTC Board has approved moving forward with the implementation of random drug and alcohol testing for designated employees. We continue to wait for a ruling from the courts on an injunction. Once we know the outcome of that ruling, a date will be set for the implementation of random testing.

We will continue to provide updates on this initiative through Corporate Notices and via your manager or supervisor. An overview of the information that was shared in December is below.

Overview: Random Drug and Alcohol Testing

Random testing is a new component of the TTC’s existing Fitness for Duty Policy which has been in place since 2010. This policy outlines the expectation that each of us report for work, and remain fit for duty.

Random testing is being introduced to ensure the safety of our employees, our customers and all other road users. All employees in designated positions will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

The program will be managed confidentially by a third party administrator, DriverCheck Inc. This company will randomly select the employees and administer the tests at any point during an employee’s shift. On an annual basis, 20 per cent of eligible employees will be selected for random drug and alcohol testing.

The TTC will use the same technology that is used for reasonable cause and post-incident testing under the existing Fitness for Duty program: a breathalyser for alcohol and oral fluid for drugs.

• An employee’s drug or alcohol use during personal time is not relevant unless it creates the potential for impairment during working hours.
• The testing program is to ensure safety at work by identifying likely impairment on the job.
• Results are delivered as a pass or fail based on threshold limits set by the TTC and supported through scientific experts.
• Employees will be returned to their jobs following a test, unless the alcohol test is positive or there is reasonable cause under the existing policy.
• The security, privacy and confidentiality of employees’ drug and alcohol information are very important. No specific details about what substances or amounts detected will be provided to the employer unless the employee fails a test.
• Ultimately, this is about the safety and well-being of our employees and our customers.

The TTC cares about your health, in addition to your safety. Anyone who believes they have a drug or alcohol dependency is encouraged to seek assistance through Occupational Health, EFAP, or their personal physician. If you have any questions, please ask your manager or supervisor.

March 29, 2017