Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Procedure 12-1
SECTION 1 - PURPOSE
To provide the framework from which our Companies can effectively and legally engage in a
total Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace.
SECTION 2 - SCOPE
This Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Program applies to all NORTHSTAR
Branches/Companies. It does not apply to those work locations in which a federally mandated
or client required alcohol and/or drug program is specifically dictated. For example, those
workers covered by the Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration are
required to comply with the alcohol and drug program contained in the Section of the Corporate
Safety Manual entitled DOT Safety and Compliance.
SECTION 3 - POLICY
To initiate and maintain an alcohol and drug free safe workplace and to comply with federal
regulations governing substance abuse.
SECTION 4 - GENERAL
NORTHSTAR Services recognizes that substance abuse in the workplace is a major concern. It
affects not only job performance and the work environment but also undermines the public's
confidence in the Company and the safety of its operations. NORTHSTAR believes that by
identifying substance abuse, the safety, health, and general well-being of employees at all levels
of employment will improve. To further this belief, NORTHSTAR has instituted this Alcohol
and Drug Free Workplace Policy. The purpose of this Policy is to initiate and maintain an
alcohol and drug free workplace and to comply with federal regulations governing substance
abuse.
NORTHSTAR will notify each employee of its commitment to an alcohol and drug free
workplace. To comply with this Policy, NORTHSTAR will (a) establish an ongoing program to
ensure an alcohol and drug free workplace; (b) maintain an effective, safe and healthy workplace
for all employees and others exposed to the work site, including the general public; (c) safeguard
the property and operations of the Company and its customers; and (d) provide direction for
alcohol and drug abuse assistance.
Because of the inherent risks involving worker safety and health in the construction
industry in general, and the potential risk factors of exposing personnel and the
environment to hazardous or toxic substances in particular, NORTHSTAR personnel are
considered to be employed in highly Safety Sensitive Positions.
Inform its employees of the hazards of using alcohol and illegal substances.
Screen its employees for the bodily presence of alcohol and illegal substances consistent
with federal and state laws.
Not employ substance abusers consistent with federal and state laws and company policy.
Remove substance abusers from NORTHSTAR's workplace.
Where possible, assist employees with substance abuse problems in their rehabilitation
efforts.
SECTION 6 – DEFINITIONS
(For this Section)
Company - The Company, as the term is used in this Program, includes NORTHSTAR GROUP
SERVICES, INC., its Branch offices, subsidiaries and affiliated companies.
Company Vehicle - Any vehicle leased or owned by the company, including rental autos or
trucks.
Alcohol - Any liquid intended for human consumption that contains ethyl (ethanol), methyl or
isopropyl alcohol.
Legal Drugs - Prescribed drugs and over-the-counter drugs which have been (under U.S. law)
legally obtained and are being used for their intended purpose, or as prescribed and
manufactured.
Illegal Drugs - Any drug which is prohibited by law (e.g., cocaine, marijuana, etc.), any drug
which is legally obtainable but which has not been legally obtained, and any prescribed drug
which is not being used as prescribed or used by the person named in the prescription.
Unfit for Duty - For the purpose of this Program, "unfit for duty" shall mean an employee who
is adversely affected by alcohol, drugs or any combination of alcohol and drugs, in an
observable manner. The symptoms are not confined to misbehavior, nor to obvious impairment
of physical or mental ability, such as slurred speech or difficulty maintaining balance. A deter-
mination of influence may be established by a professional opinion or a scientifically valid test.
The definition "Unfit for Duty" includes having a blood alcohol level at or greater than .02.
Medical Review Officer - The Medical Review Officer (MRO) is a licensed physician
knowledgeable in the medical use of prescription drugs and the pharmacology and toxicology of
illegal drugs. The role of the MRO is to review and interpret test results obtained through the
Company's drug testing program. The MRO will consult with the employee to assess and
determine whether alternate medical explanations, such as the use of prescribed medications,
could account for the positive laboratory test results. The MRO acts as a vital screen to assure
that management is not notified of a positive result on a drug test until the MRO is satisfied that
it resulted from illegal drug use.
The Company has established the following positions with regard to alcohol or drugs:
Alcohol
Legal Drugs
Illegal Drugs
In its efforts to develop employee awareness of the hazards of substance abuse, the
Company will provide employee awareness components which may, for example, utilize
videotapes, toolbox talks, alcohol and drug awareness days, and distribution of written
materials. Information contained within these components will be made available to
employees.
The Company reserves the right to require employees to undergo alcohol or drug screening as
described in this Program.
The Company will utilize a Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
accredited laboratory which is able to assure that appropriate methods will be used.
Laboratory procedures will follow the context of a quality assurance program.
Adequately trained personnel will be used in the analysis and interpretation of the results.
When selecting a laboratory, the Company will consider equipment, personnel, quality
assurance, standardized procedures, quality control, and certification.
The collection of urinary specimens from the employee (donor) will be accomplished to
assure each donor that personal dignity and privacy will be respected. Both urinary drug
and breath alcohol specimens will be collected by trained medical personnel. The donor
will be present until the container is sealed and the donor writes his/her initials across the
seal. The chain of custody will be documented thereafter.
If the results of the initial screening exceed the specific cut-off levels, a confirmation test
will automatically be conducted by Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) to
confirm the initial results. If this confirmation test is negative, then the results will be
reported as negative and entered into the donor's file.
However, if the confirmation test exceeds the prescribed limits and the result is positive,
the Medical Review Officer will contact the donor to evaluate potential interference with
the test protocol. If none are identified, the results will be reported as positive. Test
results will be handled in a confidential manner and available only to those individuals
who need to know the results to administer or apply this policy and program.
With the exception of those employees who are required to be screened under U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, or other regulatory requirements, the
panel of drugs for which these test are conducted will include, but will not necessarily be
limited to, the following: amphetamines; barbiturates; benzodiazepines; cannabinoids;
opiates; phencyclidines; and cocaine.
The action levels for positive test results for controlled substances will be the metabolic
levels accepted by consensus of the scientific community.
9.1 Self-Referral
At any time, if any employee should recognize that he or she has a substance abuse
problem and wishes help, the employee may contact NORTHSTAR management for
There is only one time period when an employee is not allowed to voluntarily
request substance abuse assistance from NORTHSTAR, and that is during the
twenty-four (24) hour period just preceding his or her being notified to report to a
medical provider to provide a sample for a random drug test.
2. Eligibility
Employees who have tested positive for substance abuse are not eligible to obtain
assistance from the Company during the twelve month period immediately
following the date of the positive test results.
9.2 Procedure
The employee may contact a substance abuse program directly or ask NORTHSTAR
management for assistance. In either case the employee must notify NORTHSTAR
management that they are in treatment. The employee is responsible for all cost of
treatment not covered by his or her Health Insurance Plan.
In the event the employee does not elect to contact the treatment program directly, then
the employee should notify his or her supervisor or the Company’s Benefits Coordinator
(HSO) and advise them of the substance abuse problem. If the supervisor has been
notified, then he or she will immediately notify the Branch’s Program Administrator
(HSO) and the Company’s Benefits Coordinator. The Company’s Benefits Coordinator
will make a referral. Since the treatment program should keep the Company’s Benefits
Coordinator informed of the employee’s progress, the Benefits Coordinator will in turn
keep the Supervisor and the Program Administrator informed. The Benefits Coordinator
will continue to work with the employee, the supervisor, the Program Administrator and
the Treatment program in the event of non-compliance with the "Last Chance
Agreement."
If the employee acknowledges to the company that he or she has a substance abuse
problem and is willing to follow an approved rehabilitation and follow-up program for
one year, the employer will make every effort to:
hold the job open while the employee is going through inpatient rehabilitation; or
place the employee in a job where the employee is not in a position to hurt other
workers while he or she is going through an outpatient rehabilitation program.
Under both conditions, the employee must sign a "Last Chance Agreement." The "Last Chance
Agreement" stipulates the following:
The following screening (testing) procedures are used to detect the abuse of alcohol and
controlled substance. Compliance with this Program is a condition of employment.
NORTHSTAR is free to utilize some or all of the following components to assure an alcohol and
drug-free workplace.
Random testing of employees may be conducted at any time during their employment
with NORTHSTAR. Since random selection will be conducted by the MRO, employees
may be selected for random testing more than once. Random selection of employees will
normally be conducted on a quarterly basis.
When required, the frequency of random selection for testing can be tailored to the
specific requirements of either the customer or the project.
Reasonable Cause Testing can be utilized when supervision, with the concurrence of the
Branch’s Program Administrator, determines that an employee's conduct sustains a
reasonable suspicion that the employee is impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Testing for re-hire or follow-up testing will be conducted in the same manner as pre-
employment testing and/or random testing.
Although pre-employment substance abuse testing must be performed after the offer of
employment, a negative test results will still be considered a condition of employment. The
offer of employment will be withdrawn if the test is positive.
The applicant will sign the Acknowledgement of Substance Abuse Testing form.
The medical personnel will confirm the identity of the donor by requesting to
view a picture I.D. The sample may not be collected unless the donor provides a
Random substance abuse testing is applicable to employees only. Random testing is a method of
randomly selecting a fixed percentage of the entire work force to be screened on a quarterly
basis. The random computer generated selection process will be conducted by the MRO from a
list of eligible names furnished by the Branch's Program Administrator on a monthly basis.
All employee applicants must be informed at the time of application and hiring, that
NORTHSTAR conducts random substance testing. The candidates for employment must
be given time to read and understand the Company's Acknowledgement of Substance
Abuse Testing form and then be required to sign the form as a condition of employment.
Each month, a list of all personnel eligible for random testing will be sent by the
individual Branch’s Program Administrator to the Medical Review Officer (MRO). The
MRO will then use a computer generated program to randomly select the names of
individuals until the appropriate number is selected from the pool. If the name selected
is no longer an employee, the MRO will randomly select another name. The names of all
employees shall return to the random selection pool after selection, thus it is possible for
a given employee to be selected more than once.
The number of positive results will be statistically evaluated for conformance with
historical experience. If there is a significant difference, the number of participants for
the next sample period may be increased. The statistical analysis will be used to assure
the number of participants remains at least twice the size of the number of anticipated
substance abusers.
The MRO will contact the Branch's Program Administrator to identify the individuals
who will submit a sample before the end of the next shift they work. Failure to submit
the sample within this time frame will result in termination of employment. The MRO
will match the lists of samples submitted versus samples required. The names of all
"required to" who did not submit will be directed to the Branch Manager for resolution.
The MRO will report the positive or negative test results to the appropriate Branch's
Program Administrator. A quarterly summary of the names of personnel testing both
positive and negative will be sent to the Company’s Benefits Coordinator for follow-up.
Employees whose employment is terminated due to violation of this policy and program
will not be eligible for re-hire for a 12 month period. To be eligible for re-hire, they
must be able to furnish evidence of successful completion of an approved substance
abuse rehabilitation program and sign the agreement that provides for unannounced
testing. Refer to paragraph 17.0 of this policy. However, these employees will not be
permitted to return to a jobsite of a customer who has a “zero tolerance” policy.
The same testing procedures will be followed as outlined in paragraph 11.1 of this
policy.
An employee may be screened for alcohol or drug abuse for reasonable cause only when the
Company has determined that reasonable cause for screening exists. Justification must be
performance oriented and determined by a supervisor's direct and documented observation of the
employee.
However, before the screening can be accomplished, the supervisor must document the
observation in writing, personally consult with the employee and review the observation
and evidence with the Branch Manager, Branch HSO or a Regional Safety Director.
The responsibility for the decision to screen the individual will, however remain with the
supervisor and it is not necessary for either the Branch Manager, HSO or the Regional
Safety Director to concur with the supervisor's observations in order to commission this
screening. It is however, necessary that one be notified prior to its taking place.
The same testing procedures will be followed as outlined in paragraph 11.1 of this
policy.
The Company has resolved that all persons who are involved in any way in an accident or
incident involving any type of off-site medical treatment, will be immediately tested for
substance abuse to determine if any of the individuals involved were impaired by drugs or
alcohol at the time of the accident or incident.
If the employee is seriously injured and sent directly to a health care provider, the health
care provider that normally obtains the samples should be requested to obtain the sample.
14.3 Who Should be Tested
In addition to the injured worker, all individuals who were in any way involved in the
incident must also be screened. This is to help determine if someone other than the
injured worker contributed to the accident.
The MRO must be requested to make the statement, based upon the results of the
screening that the employee either was or was not under The Influence of the substance
at the time of the testing. Just using the word "Positive" to identify the employee's
condition will not be sufficient.
The same testing procedures will be followed as outlined in paragraph 11.1 of this
policy.
An employee, whose employment with the Company is interrupted for other than disciplinary
reasons, will not be required to undergo additional pre-employment substance testing as long as
the employee's re-hire with the Company occurs within the twelve (12) month period following
the employee's last substance test under the NORTHSTAR program.
When necessary, NORTHSTAR will supplement its Alcohol and Drug Testing Program to meet
testing required by regulatory, contract or customer requirements for access to a facility, site, or
operation.
The Company reserves the right and authority to initiate the following disciplinary actions with
reference to any employee found to have violated this Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace
Program:
1. If the employee's alcohol or drug test is confirmed positive, the employee will be
immediately discharged from employment unless this is specifically prohibited by
State Law. In situations of this type, each case will be handled on a case-by-case
basis;
2. Refusal to produce a timely sample will result in discharge; and
3. Refusal to sign the Acknowledgement of Substance Abuse Testing form will result in
discharge.
4. Negative Dilute Test Results - In the event that the MRO reports the results of the
testing regarding a specific urine sample to be negative, but in addition specifies that
that urine sample is “diluted”, has a “low creatinin level”, or other synonymous
result, the employee in question shall be required, at a time of our choosing, to repeat
the collection and analysis process. Should the MRO report the results of the testing
regarding a specific urine sample as “substituted”, the employee in question shall be
considered to have refused testing and shall be subject to disciplinary action
commensurate with a positive test for prohibited substances.
The employee may be eligible for rehire after a period of 12 months following termination
provided that:
In the event the MRO has made a specific effort to contact an employee for any reason,
and it becomes apparent the employee is not returning the effort by contacting the MRO,
then the employee will be immediately suspended without pay until such time as a
successful contact is made with the MRO. After contact with the employee, the MRO
has obtained sufficient information to make a final decision and that decision is that the
employee's test results are positive, the employee will be immediately discharged.
If however, the MRO's final decision is that the test results are negative, and the
employee has a good excuse for not contacting the MRO, then the employee will be
immediately reinstated and the suspended wages will be reimbursed.
A copy of the Company's Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Policy and acknowledgement will
be provided to all applicants and employees. Copies of this policy and acknowledgement will be
posted in a prominent place at each branch. Each applicant and employee shall read and
understand this Policy and sign the Acknowledgment of Substance Abuse Testing form. This
Acknowledgment will then be retained in the employee's personnel file.
All classified advertisements for employment with the Company will advise prospective
applicants that the Company has an Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Program.
Questions regarding any provision of either the Program or the Policy should be forwarded to
the Company’s Benefits Coordinator.
Each Branch, including Corporate, will select and appoint a Program Administrator who
will have responsibility for the day-to-day administration of the Branch's Alcohol and
Drug Free Workplace Program.
Send the MRO monthly updates of the Branch’s employees who are eligible for
random selection;
Receive the list of the Branch’s positive and negative test results from the MRO;
Establish the Branch’s list of medical providers who are available to obtain
samples; and
Ensure that adequate "supplies" are maintained at the Branch or with the medical
provider.
It is a condition of employment that all employees abide by the terms of the Company's
Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Program. In the event of a conviction for any
criminal drug violation, the employee must notify the Company’s Benefits Coordinator
within five (5) days of the date of the conviction.
All Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Program records will be retained by the Branch in the
individual employee's Medical Records file for a minimum period of two (2) years.
Services for NORTHSTAR's Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Program will be provided by
the following:
The Branch may utilize any SmithKline Beecham laboratory or may choose any
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) or National Institute of Drug
Awareness (NIDA) accredited laboratory which is able to assure that appropriate
methods will be used. The Laboratory’s procedures must follow the context of a quality
assurance program, and have adequately trained personnel to carry out the analysis and
interpretation of the results. When selecting a laboratory, the Branch must consider
equipment, personnel, quality assurance, standardized procedures, quality control, and
certification.
The Company has a vital interest in maintaining safe, healthful and efficient working conditions for its employees. Being under
the influence of alcohol or any other drug on the job poses serious safety and health risks not only to the user, but to all those who
work with or come in contact with the user (i.e. fellow employees, customers, the general public). The manufacture, distribution,
dispensation, possession, use or sale of an illegal drug or alcohol in the workplace or during the work day, also poses
unacceptable risks for safe, healthful and efficient operations.
Accordingly, it is the right and intent of the Company to maintain a working environment that is free of substance abuse. For this
reason, the Company has established a policy for pre-employment, random, DOT required, reasonable cause, or customer
required screening procedures designed to prevent the hiring and employment of individuals who use illegal drugs or individuals
whose legal use of alcohol or other drugs indicate a potential for impaired or unsafe job performance.
I. Alcohol
It is prohibited for any employee to be under the influence of alcohol while performing Company business, while on a
Company job site or in a Company facility, or while in or operating vehicles or equipment owned or leased by the
Company.
Use of alcohol or possession of an open container of alcohol while on a Company job site or in a Company facility is
prohibited except for special occasions approved by the manager of the facility.
Prescribed and/or over-the-counter drugs may affect behavior and performance. Employees are required to notify their
supervisor that they are taking such drugs for medical reasons, and medical evaluation may be required. During any
period that such use of drugs adversely affects job performance, the employee will be relieved of his/her job duties or
re-assigned by the Company.
The manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, use, sale or being under the influence of an illegal drug by any
employee while performing Company business, while on a Company job site or in a Company facility, or while in or
operating vehicles or equipment owned or leased by the Company is prohibited.
It is a condition of employment that all employees abide by the terms of the Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Policy.
In the event of any conviction for a criminal drug violation occurring on a Company job site, in a Company facility, or
while in or operating a Company owned or leased vehicle, the employee must notify the Company’s Benefits
Coordinator within five (5) days of the date of the conviction.
V. Disciplinary Action
Violation of this Policy or refusal to comply with a request to be screened will result in discharge from employment.
Employee Assistance
The Company recognizes that chemical dependency is a disease and should be regarded as a disease with no stigma attached.
The Company will assist any employees who suffer from alcohol or other drug dependency . Contact a Manager at
NORTHSTAR for confidential assistance BEFORE your use/abuse of alcohol or other drugs leads to disciplinary action! Your
job will not be jeopardized by contacting NORTHSTAR for help.
1. I will participate fully and in good faith in the prescribed treatment program at:
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
until such time as the director of such program determines that I have satisfactorily
completed the program and releases me.
2. I will also participate in good faith in the prescribed follow-up care program until released
as set out in Item 1 above.
3. Upon my completion and release of the treatment program and upon my return to work: (a)
I will be subject to unannounced substance abuse tests from time to time for a period of
three (3) years; (b) in the event any of such tests are positive, or if I should refuse to submit
to any of such tests, I will be immediately discharged from employment; and (c) I will
continue to be subject to all of my employer's employment policies and procedures, and
may also be disciplined or discharged at any time in accordance therewith.
4. I fully release and discharge NORTHSTAR GROUP SERVICES, INC. and its subsidiaries,
affiliates, predecessors, assignees and their officers, directors, employees, agents and
attorneys, past and present (collectively, "NORTHSTAR"), from any and all liabilities and
claims now known or unknown, arising out of my participation in the programs referred to
above or any actions which NORTHSTAR has taken or may take in connection therewith;
and I will indemnify, defend and hold harmless NORTHSTAR from and against any and all
actions, suits, proceedings, judgments and orders, and the costs of defense and settlement
thereof (including reasonable attorney's fees) arising out of my participation in such
programs or any actions of NORTHSTAR.
__________________________ ____________________________________
Witness signature Employee signature
I, the undersigned, hereby acknowledge and agree: (a) that I have received a copy of
NORTHSTAR's Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Policy; (b) that I have read the Policy
and fully understand the implications of the Policy with regard to its affecting my
employment or continued employment with NORTHSTAR; and (c) that I will fully comply
with said Policy during the term of my employment with NORTHSTAR GROUP
SERVICES, INC., its subsidiaries, divisions or affiliates (NORTHSTAR).
I also understand that as a part of this program, I may be tested for chemical substance
abuse. If required to be tested, I hereby consent to such testing, and whenever the testing is
performed at the request of, or in conjunction with, the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program
of an NORTHSTAR Customer, I authorize the medical provider to release the results of this
testing to such Customer, the DHHS accredited Laboratory being used by NORTHSTAR,
the licensed physician (MRO) under contract to NORTHSTAR, NORTHSTAR GROUP
SERVICES, INC., its subsidiaries, divisions, and affiliates and to release the Customer, the
Clinical Laboratory involved, NORTHSTAR, and its MRO from any liability they might
otherwise have for conducting such testing, test results, or making employment decisions
based upon the results of such testing.
__________________________________
(Employee's printed name)
__________________________________
(Supervisor's signature)
Detection Levels
Panels may be tailored to meet the requirements of the customer, and therefore may be subject to
change.
Detection Levels
Panels may be tailored to meet the requirements of the customer, and therefore may be subject to
change.