Sundahl & Associates, Inc.
Private Patrol Operator (PPO) Test Tips:
When can the PPO test the employee for drugs and/or alcohol?
By Shaun E. Sundahl
Date: Thursday May 22, 2011
Pre-Employment Drug and Alcohol Testing
1. Generally speaking, employers have the right to test employees for drugs if:
a. The applicant knows the test is part of a screening test for new hires.
b. The employer offers the job to the applicant.
c. Applicants for the same position are tested very similar.
d. A state-certified facility administers the test.
Employment Drug Testing
Do not get pre-employment (applicant) and employee drug testing laws interwined. Here we can assume the applicant is already hired; therefore he/she is now an employee. Since the applicant is now an employee, society values workforce stability and allows the employee greater protection against employers. Furthermore, the employer may not test the employee for drugs and alcohol unless the employee is engaged in work that can clearly cause human injury or property damaged while under the influence of certain drugs and alcohol. So what type of employment would allow the employer to drug or alcohol tests its employees? The answer is truck driving, demolition, and similiar occupations that have the capability of injuring the public Click here for more details. How about the armed guard? It depends on the circumstances. For PPO test purposes, think in terms of unarmed guards since most of BSIS registered guards are unarmed. As the PPO would you order the unarmed guard to be drug tested? After reading this essay, I hope not (especially for PPO Exam purposes). Click here for an closer look into the legal standards of drug and alcohol testing.
You must also note:
A. An employer may not test for drugs or alcohol if the employer has a
random or blanket policy of drug testing.
B. An employer may test for drugs and alcohol if the employer has “reasonable suspicion” the
employee is under the influence.
Ex: employee has odor of alcohol on his breath.
Ex: Erratic behavior at work.
Ex: Abnormally slurred speech.
I hope you found this essay on “When can the PPO test the employee for drugs and alcohol?” helpful for the PPO test.
Would you like to cite our article under APA guidelines? Here you are:
Sundahl, S. (2011, May 26). When can the PPO test the employee for drugs and/or alcohol?
**All information presented here is under copyright by Sundahl & Associates, Inc., 2011. You may not reproduce or copy the information contained herein without the express permission of Sundahl & Associates. Shaun Sundahl (CEO) is a professional writer and you may employ his services from time to time. For permission please contact us by phone or e-mail. Thank you.**