Drug testing

[sasto]

Re: Drug testing

As a boat captain I am subject to testing, just as the transportation industry. Never was a pot smoker but I've been around it for years in the boating industry. I think most would be surprised how common it is.

A few years ago I came down with brain cancer and lymphoma. Doctors didn't give me much of a chance. My only choice on living was to undergo months of copious amounts of chemo. Doctors surmised if I could get thru the chemo without dying, I may be able to live a productive life. A friend found some weed for me to try. I was willing to try anything! I sincerely believe the weed played a factor in that I am here today. My doctors turned their head on the subject.

I came up on for testing while smoking the weed and taking morphine and would have flunked, thus banning me from my lifestyle forever. I was truthful with the authorities about my drug use. They put my status on hold, not subjecting myself to testing. A year later all was well. Passed the test and living my life to the fullest. I firmly believe there is a place for pot, just not at work.

 

[Cofe]

Re: Drug testing

The views and opinions on this subject have been excellent. They reflect the cross sectional debate on drug testing.

A large company that I worked for, had an employee chosen group that was to discuss with the company and the insurance company, the drug testing and health insurance benefits. Many of the topics brought up on this post were reflected in the debate that dominated in the meetings. The insurance representative, was very informative and all eyes were wide open when the topic of genetic risk factor testing arose. The consensus of the group was ?You Cant Do That?.
His reply was????.It is not illegal, why can?t we do this to control costs? When you start excluding certain ?risk factors? Where do you stop?

[FONT=&quot]Be careful what you ask for??. You might get it??[/FONT]

 

[tswiczko]

Re: Drug testing

I have worked many places that required testing. When I worked as a service tech, there were places I had to be screened at the guard shack before I was allowed to walk into the yard.

I worked for BAX global as a second job in the 90's, if you were in volved in an incident and not the cause of the incident you were also tested (saw a guy knock a fire sprinkler head off with a forklift, every one who got wet got tested)
also if you go to the emergency room for a work related incident here in indiana(workers comp.claim) you are tested in the E.R. on the spot, workers comp will not pay the claim if drugs or alcohol is involved.

More and more companies are doing it as a C.Y.A. to dodge lawsuits. Not that drugtesting is a bad thing, I feel it has it's place and is a tool for safer work environment, but it is also a way for companies to relieve themselves of liabillity in a situation.

I also know it is hard to get employment if you take a narcotic prescribed by a physician, My wife sees a pain management doctor(she has spinal stenosis, and fibromyalga) and has been turned down for jobs because they feel there is too much of a liabillity risk.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Drug testing

His reply was????.It is not illegal, why can?t we do this to control costs? When you start excluding certain ?risk factors? Where do you stop?

One would HOPE they would stop at conditions the employee can control. Maybe that would make too much sense though

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Drug testing

Sasto,
Glad to hear that you've been able to return to a productive life. There is little doubt in my mind that pot is useful in helping to counter some of the bad side affects of chemo. My wife had lung cancer about 4 years ago and the pot helped her considerably during recovery from surgery and chemo. Just as you wouldn't pilot a boat full of passengers when on a significant dose of morphine or other narcotic, the same should be said for marijuana, alcohol, or other drugs that affect reasoning.

Until there is a useful, accurate, and inexpensive quantitative test for THC in the bloodstream, I believe it's going to be, and should be, prohibited in the workplace - just like alcohol.

 

[solar7647]

Re: Drug testing

I have full panel of drug tests every year, along with testing for contamination from different raw materials that are used in the production of our solar modules and I dont even work on the manufacturing floor. We also go through drug and booze testing for any accident that results in property damage and or personal injury. And on top of that we can be popped for a random test at any time.

Now this is all known before you even sign the job acceptance papers and we still get a dozen people every year that get fired for coming into work high, drunk or both and causing an accident or get popped for a random. Just stupid!

I feel it is needed, my company is very high tech, there are alot of robots and machines that can kill you quick fast and in a hurry!

 

[jonesg]

Re: Drug testing

Have any of you guys been tested as part of a job.

At my work we have a huge problem with equipment/pu abuse. The mentality of a lot of the people who work for the company seem to think that its there right to just thunder the equipment.

A little insight the company I work for is the largest employer on the island. The pickups in the fleet have just been destroyed by these idiot,s. The managers seem to be looking the other way. I have not got any feed back from the owners.

What I was going to propose to the owners is any one caught doing over $150 damage have to go for an mandatory drug test. There has to be some reason all of this damage is taking place and has to stop before some one gets killed.

I have heard of other companies doing similar thinks to get people under control.

Wouldn't it be simpler to just make it known if you are damage prone you are working in the wrong place.
I don't see any connection with drugs. You could end up with sober fools who can't drive but test good .

 

[64osby]

Re: Drug testing

A few years ago I came down with brain cancer and lymphoma. Doctors didn't give me much of a chance. ...........
I came up on for testing while smoking the weed and taking morphine and would have flunked, thus banning me from my lifestyle forever. I was truthful with the authorities about my drug use. They put my status on hold, not subjecting myself to testing. A year later all was well. Passed the test and living my life to the fullest. I firmly believe there is a place for pot, just not at work.

Great News, Glad your here to tell us

 

[64osby]

Re: Drug testing

.......... We have to take a Health Risk Assessment where I work every year. My first year here I didn't know to lie on the test so I put my actual height/weight. Well I ended up labeled as "at risk" and had to have a number of phone consultations with a "health coach". It really worked too as I miraculously lost like 50 pounds in time for the next year's assessment . .

as I miraculously lost like 50 pounds Thats funny

Its sad they want or need to label people. My kids are rated in school now 5th and 7th grade. My son 10 years old is 5' tall and weighs 110lbs, the schools tells us he is at risk. He is thick all over but is not pear shaped. My Daughter 12 , is 5" 2 and weighs 95 lbs, she is skinny, skinnier than I was as a kid, but according to the school right in the middle of where she is supposed to be. What a bunch of HooHa.

Back on subject - Yes there is a place for drug testing, but at what cost. Is it the slippery slope that we all dread. Leads to all the things that others have been mentioned here. Checks for Obesity, Genetic Profile, Smoking, Rx drug testing ..... Soon Big Brother Ins. Co. will be watching all.

 

[mscher]

Re: Drug testing

Ok, not defending the use of drugs at all but,,, Here is another case of doing something "for everyone's safety" that is being used to dictate action,deed, and "morals" on the whole of American society. I don't know that there has ever been a study comparing accidents with a group of pot smokers that are not high vs. non-smokers of pot. Yes, if someone is high, drunk, drugged at work it's not acceptable, but my being able to dictate to you (on hours I am not paying you for) what you can and can not do in the privacy of your home is over the line.

My biggest issue with the concept is, "Where does it stop"? As some have suggested, obese people may be the next target, or even worse, religious "restrictions" on employes. No that is not an exageration or a stretch. The Iowa House just introduced a bill making it legal to hire/fire, do business with, rent a home, judge sexual orientation, etc. based upon agreeing with religious beliefs. If you own the business and your religion says you don't agree with Jews, you don't have to give then a job.

From all I can see in life, when our government makes laws that allow something like this, it will be abused and used to serve personal agendas. Again, someone under the influence IS a saftey issue but in my mind anything else is no more than legal justification to force personal oipinion, morals, views on others. To take a hair sample and fie someone because they smoked pot three weeks ago claiming it caused an accident today is silly and borders on idiocy.

Just my $.02

Your points are spot on, but this is not about abuse of regulation, this is about our societies move toward total "zero tolerance" for any type of risk, whatsoever, not just for drugs. How small of risk does not even matter, any more.

Smokers were first moved from the workplace and resturants, to outside the doorway. Now they can't stand there and smoke, they have to move furthur away, to a distant smoking "area". It will be gone soon also. New York is trying to outlaw smoking in parks and beaches. It's really only a matter of time, before smoking will be outlawed everywhere, where ANYONE could possible breath the second hand smoke. You'll still have the right to smoke, you just will have nowhere you can legally do so.

I drive a fuel tanker truck, that has a sturdy ladder and walkway to access the hatches on the top. Many Companies now prohibit climbing on top, without a saftey harness or saftey ladder, which is usually not practical, were we load at. It's a hassle that just holds up loading progress, costing both Companies time and money. When I enquired why, I was told that a couple of people have been severly injured or killed, falling off the tanker trailer. I can can appreciate that view on saftey, but what about the millions of times drivers climbed on top and did not fall off? Does not matter. One injury is too many, so the employees has to pay, with yet more hassle. It's better than the insurance companies paying out more money, right.

It's the same way with weed. In the 70's I worked with people who got stoned, before, during and after work, every day of the week. Many of them could put robots to shame, with their speed and accuracy. They loved their work! Now if there is even the slighest iota, that smoking pot or other drugs ANYTIME, might cause problems on the job, they {must} be prohibited. Being fat, smoking, cofee addict, etc., it's really only a matter of time, before they will need to go, too.

Drunken boating has been a problem for many years. Now 1 or 2 beers is too much. It's much safer (and easier) to just outlaw drinking on the lake all together. No big deal if you are non-drinker, but otherwise, too bad for you.

Toyota spent billions recalling millions of vehicles, for perceived accelerator problems. Now to ensure public saftey, Govt. wants to implement accelerator design standards, for all manufacturers. NHTSA confirmed a total of 5 deaths, related to sticking accelerators.

We might as well batton the hatches. It's only going to get worse.

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Drug testing

As some one pointed out if your just a crappy equipment operator just get rid of them. These guys get weeded out in a hurry. The funny thing is the users/drinkers are the ones doing the most damage to the equipment. These same guys when there on there game are very good at what they do.

All of our camps are dry camps and drugs /booze are strictly prohibited. But so is jail and these guys get all kind of things. You know if it was a beer or two in the evening or a joint big deal. Most of these guys are like little kids and cant stop on till its all gone. Some of the drugs or quantity of booze they bring in is just out to lunch. The only way to complety stop it is do a strip search/ baggage search now there's a law suet in the making.

I will have to say you guys have brought up many point of view that I had not considered.

 

[DJ]

Re: Drug testing

I'd like to see drug tests before you pick up your welfare check. Bet that would save a tons of your tax dollars.

That's that's a danged good idea. Not one that our elected officials would ever dream up. But, a GOOD one.

 

[I Fish]

Re: Drug testing

Toyota spent billions recalling millions of vehicles, for perceived accelerator problems. Now to ensure public saftey, Govt. wants to implement accelerator design standards, for all manufacturers. NHTSA confirmed a total of 5 deaths, related to sticking accelerators.

Not to change the subject, but actually, the last I heard, it was determined that Toyota was not at fault. http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110208/CARNEWS/110209895

What, you hadn't heard? Almost nobody else has either. Seems Uncle Sam is quick and loud when pointing out you've done something he thinks is wrong. Kinda slow and quiet when it turns out it was he who was wrong. Ah, maybe we'll see higher car insurance premiums if we insist on having those overly dangerous floor mats. I wonder if we the taxpayers will be paying to re-polish Toyota's now tarnished reputation?

On edit, I had to add this:
In response, the agency plans to launch a long-term study into the placement and design of pedals in vehicles to see if accidents can be reduced. It also plans to consider three more requirements in future vehicles: mandatory brake override systems, standardized keyless ignition systems and mandatory data event recorders.:facepalm:



Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110208/CARNEWS/110209895#ixzz1E6CsShPc

 

[sasto]

Re: Drug testing

Great News, Glad your here to tell us

Thank you very much, 64osby. Glad to be here!

 

[sasto]

Re: Drug testing

Sasto,
Glad to hear that you've been able to return to a productive life. There is little doubt in my mind that pot is useful in helping to counter some of the bad side affects of chemo. My wife had lung cancer about 4 years ago and the pot helped her considerably during recovery from surgery and chemo.

Thank you, Pirate,

Is your wife in good health now? That is a tough one to beat. I would like to see marijuana become legal for medicimal perposes... as in Calif. I didn't enjoy smoking it but what the heck, it wasn't going to kill me. Scared the hell out of me buying it, could have gone to jail.

The VA hospital will sometimes test for drugs in patients taking narcotics, which I was at the time. Having THC in your system is grounds for them to discontinue medications. I was honest with my oncologist about my use and he never had me tested at the time. I say legalize the stuff, testing can still take place if a business wishes, just as they do with another legal substance, alcohol.

 

[rbh]

Re: Drug testing

Sasto, one thing I know is it sure give you an appettite, and thats one thing alot of people loose during chemo

(DUDE, got the munchies LOL)

 

[Cofe]

Re: Drug testing

Originally Posted by Cadwelder
I'd like to see drug tests before you pick up your welfare check. Bet that would save a tons of your tax dollars.

That's that's a danged good idea. Not one that our elected officials would ever dream up. But, a GOOD one.

This idea has been given lots of thought and consideration. It would work, but we would have to build many, many more jails and prisons.

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: Drug testing

There is a lot of things I would like to see when it comes to the issue of public assistance..but to publish my ideas here would be considered far to political!

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Drug testing

Thank you, Pirate,

Is your wife in good health now? That is a tough one to beat. I would like to see marijuana become legal for medicimal perposes... as in Calif. I didn't enjoy smoking it but what the heck, it wasn't going to kill me. Scared the hell out of me buying it, could have gone to jail.

The VA hospital will sometimes test for drugs in patients taking narcotics, which I was at the time. Having THC in your system is grounds for them to discontinue medications. I was honest with my oncologist about my use and he never had me tested at the time. I say legalize the stuff, testing can still take place if a business wishes, just as they do with another legal substance, alcohol.

As far as the lung cancer, no sign of it returning. Last checkup with the oncologist was about a month ago and he says he doesn't want to see her for another year. That was really good to hear. She has developed other conditions that are common with major internal surgery but all in all, in pretty good shape.

I know what you mean about doing something illegal. We're in Oregon so medical marijuana is available here and the law helps you to obtain it under controlled circumstances without the fear and hassle of buying on the street.

In keeping with the topic of this thread, I think it's important to point out that there are legitimate and responsible uses for medications - the same as there are times and places that drug and alcohol use is not appropriate.

 

[sasto]

Re: Drug testing

In keeping with the topic of this thread, I think it's important to point out that there are legitimate and responsible uses for medications - the same as there are times and places that drug and alcohol use is not appropriate.

Couldn't agree with you more.