A federal court in Utah upheld the termination of an employee who did not disclose his use of prescription medication in accordance with his employer’s policy.  Angel v. Lisbon Valley Mining Co., Case No. 2:14-CV-00733 (D. Utah Nov. 23, 2015).Angel was employed as a haul truck driver at Lisbon Valley Mining Co., a copper mine. When he interviewed for the job, he was given a copy of the company’s prescription drug policy which he read and signed. The policy provided that employees taking prescription drugs that may impair their ability to safely perform their jobs must inform human resources of the use of such medications, and obtain a release from the company’s occupational physician authorizing the employee to work and specifying any work restrictions before the employee may return to work. The policy further provided that an employee’s failure to disclose that the employee is taking such prescription medications could result in...

When employers hire workers that are smokers, the insurance costs are higher.  At DATCS, we can test your prospective employees for NICOTINE.  A simple urine drug screen can tell you if you are hiring someone who uses tobacco in any form.  If you have a policy to hire only those who do not use tobacco products and the prospective new hire has told you they do not use, then a simple test will make a big difference in your insurance costs.  It is as simple as that.

Big increase in deaths, poisonings from synthetic marijuana Synthetic marijuana is back in the news, with some frightening revelations.New figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show synthetic marijuana killed 15 people in the first half of 2015 -- three times as many as the same period in 2014.Poison control centers across the country have also seen a 229 percent increase in phone calls related to use of the drugs since January.Synthetic marijuana is a class of designer drugs made up of psychoactive chemicals or a combination of chemicals that are sprayed onto plant material and then smoked or eaten to produce a high. They mimic the effects of THC, the compound naturally found in marijuana, and can be far more potent. Consumers don't know what chemical compounds are in them, so toxicity and health effects vary widely.Synthetic marijuana can be purchased online or at small retail outlets, where...

Health officials are brainstorming ideas of how to combat the nationwide outpouring of hospital visits for synthetic marijuana. During April alone, there were more than 1,000 illnesses from this substance, which is double the amount from January and March, the American Association of Poison Control Centers reported. This year’s statistics have quadrupled in comparison to 2014. Recently, as hospital admissions have increased, Alabama, Mississippi and New York health departments have delivered warnings about the usage of synthetic marijuana. Arizona, Florida, New Jersey and Texas followed suit by reporting similar cases to the public. Mississippi health professionals informed their state about more than 400 hospital room visits during April. More than 120 emergency visits associated with synthetic marijuana took place between April 8 and April 15 in New York. Common effects of this drug are "psychotic episodes, seizures, severe anxiety, muscle spasms, and suicidal thoughts," according to Think Progress. Common names for...

As the clock strikes midnight, the year 2015 will finally be among us. The thrill of a new year brings excitement for some and a severe lack of sound judgment for others. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, in 2011 Texas had the most drunk driving fatalities nationwide. During 2012, drinking-related deaths rose by seven percent to 1,296. Unfortunately, drunk driving increases during holidays because of parties and other social events. New Year’s Eve and Day has become the most dangerous time to be on roadways.To combat this problem, MADD is preparing to implement ignition interlocks for those convicted of drinking under the influence. In addition to that, MADD wants to legalize the option of sobriety checkpoints. Keep you and others safe this holiday by abstaining from drinking and driving completely. Drug and Alcohol Testing Compliance Services wishes you and yours a safe and happy New Year’s. By Alex Byrd