Traveling by train is steadily increasing as the cost of flying continues to increase. Many people travel via train due to it being considered a safe and efficient way to travel- especially for those who fear driving or flying. In light of this, it might be fitting to learn that a certain train carrier in America is dropping the ball when it comes to ensuring safety for passengers.
Recently, CNN news reported an increase of alcohol and drug test failures among Amtrak employees. In fact, it has been steadily increasing since 2006. This has caused passengers to question the safety of such travel and other companies are wondering just how much drug and alcohol use is going on with their own employees. Some companies are questioning why they don’t have any alcohol and drug test measures going on at all.
A report by Amtrak’s Office of Inspector General stated that marijuana and cocaine were the top two drugs used by employees who failed drug tests. Ever since the fatal 1987 Amtrak collision with another train due to an employee high on marijuana, drug and alcohol testing measures have been enforced at Amtrak. The collision with a freight train took the nation by surprise and also took the death of 16 people.
Some officials are questioning Amtrak’s lack of concern for monitoring alcohol and drug use among employees. With Amtrak’s failed alcohol and drug tests at 51% higher than passenger train industry average, the concern is quite legitimate.
The inspector general commented that Amtrak’s senior management had limited knowledge about the high failure rates and encouraged a more serious approach to managing the problem. Amtrak has been advised to increase the frequency of alcohol and drug testing, as well as compare the results with competing industry averages.
If you own your own business or manage employees, it is wise to have your own alcohol and drug testing measures in place for your employees. Having such can be beneficial in various ways, including higher productivity and a decreased chance of accidents due to being under the influence of drugs. With the high use of alcohol and drug use among men and women in general, it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to employment safety matters.
For more information about alcohol and drug testing in Australia, call Mediscreen today and ask about our onsite services: (+61) 1300 79 70 40.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/28/travel/amtrak-drug-alcohol-tests/index.html
