CDL Drivers
HRgal
31 Posts
We hire Assistant Teachers and Program Aides to drive small buses for our Head Start Program. When interviewed they are told that it is required that they obtain a CDL within 6 months of employment. We have a Transportation Coordinator that gives them the required training and goes with them to take the driving test. Part of the CDL process is that you take and pass a CDL physical which is done by a doctor. The problem that we have run into is that after they are hired, one staff person did not pass the vision test, and one staff person is taking a perscription medication that is not allowed under the CDL physical requirements, although the doctor signed and certified them to pass the CDL.
We are going to put a sentence in our hiring letter to the effect that you cannot take any perscription drugs that would hinder your ability to drive and if you do not pass the CDL phyical our offer of employment will be withdrawn.
Has anyone had a similar situation, and how do you moinitor medications that current staff may be taking that have a CDL license?
We are going to put a sentence in our hiring letter to the effect that you cannot take any perscription drugs that would hinder your ability to drive and if you do not pass the CDL phyical our offer of employment will be withdrawn.
Has anyone had a similar situation, and how do you moinitor medications that current staff may be taking that have a CDL license?
Comments
Now, for the second part of your question. Drivers are responsible for reporting for duty ready and able to perform their jobs according to DOT standards. If they are taking medication that would render them incapable of performing such duties, it is their responsibility to notify their ER. The best you can do here is to address this in your fleet safety and substance abuse policies. Have dispatchers and driver supervisors trained for reasonable suspicion. Make sure you have a sound random program.
Gene
Pretend you are talking to a reporter of a local tv station after children are hurt in a wreck when this person was driving. Are you gonna be squirming at all?