Dear Valued Client,
We want to inform you that DriverCheck is aware of the security incident at LifeLabs, a 3rd party vendor we use to facilitate occupational health testing.
DriverCheck has investigated the matter further with LifeLabs and has been informed by LifeLabs that DriverCheck’s information has been secured and any risk to our information that exists is very low.
We understand the Clearinghouse initiative has raised many questions. Our goal is to help simplify the process for you and provide valuable education about the requirements of this program.
On Nov. 13, 2019, DriverCheck hosted a webinar titled “Clearing the Air: Helpful Hints for DOT Clearinghouse”, hosted by Branden Kearse, DriverCheck’s Privacy and Compliance Coordinator. Below you will find the recorded version for your viewing purposes.
If you have any questions regarding the DOT Clearinghouse, please contact our Client Support Group:
1 (800) 463-4310 or
ClientSupport@DriverCheck.ca
Sincerely,
DriverCheck Team
Substance abuse and opioid expert, Dr. Iris Greenwald, Medical Review Officer with DriverCheck, presents on opioid use and workplace safety.
Dr. Greenwald examines opioid use, abuse, dependence, drug testing options in the workplace, and fitness for duty concerns employers may be facing.
A key takeaway from Dr. Greenwald’s presentation:
“Make sure, as an employer, you know what you’re asking for in terms of drug testing and make sure you know how you’re going to handle the result, whatever it may be.”
During this presentation, Dr. Snider-Adler addressed what has happened since cannabis legalization, and what we can expect when edibles become legalized for adult consumption in October 2019.
Vital takeaways from Dr. Snider-Adler’s presentation include:
“We do not have all the answers; in fact, we don’t even have all the questions… cannabis is not a linear and predictable drug like alcohol… and just because it may be medically authorized does not mean it’s safe in the workplace.”
On Oct. 3 and 4, 2019, DriverCheck held its 2nd annual Fitness for Duty Summit in Edmonton, AB. The purpose of the event was to discuss Fitness for Duty challenges in the workplace, both physically and mentally, and provide education to employers so that they can implement processes to build a healthier and safer workplace. Please enjoy this 2 day video summary of the event.
For most individuals working in Occupational Health and Safety, October 17, 2018 will not be easy to forget. However, the truth is, substance use in the workplace is not new. Prior to cannabis legalization, individuals did use cannabis in a recreational fashion before and at work. The Canadian Cannabis Survey, both 2017 and 2018, surveyed Canadians prior to legalization and both surveys confirmed use of non-medical cannabis before or at work by Canadians.
The DOT Clearinghouse starts on January 6, 2020 and registration has officially opened for employers on the FMCSA website.
We are ecstatic to announce that Corporal Richard Nowak from the RCMP will be joining the Fitness for Duty Summit as a guest speaker! Cpl. Nowak will present on police enforcement of drug impaired driving.
RCMP Corporal Richard Nowak is the Provincial Coordinator for the Drug Recognition Expert program in Alberta. Cpl. Nowak has over twelve years of operational policing experience with the RCMP including several postings in Alberta.
We are here to "clear the air" surrounding your US DOT Clearinghouse questions! To do this, we have created a new series titled "Clearing the Air: Helpful Hints for DOT Clearinghouse" hosted by DriverCheck Privacy and Compliance Coordinator, Branden Kearse.
In these short videos, Branden will answer questions such as "What is the Clearinghouse", "What will employers need to do to stay compliant", "How will drivers be identified in the Clearinghouse" and many more.
Dr. Melissa Snider-Adler is the Chief Medical Review Officer for DriverCheck and is a Board certified Addiction Medicine Physician. Melissa is an Assistant Professor at Queen's University Department of Family Medicine educating residents about addiction medicine.
With her MRO knowledge and her background in Addiction Medicine, she often works with companies across Canada to develop and update their Alcohol and Drug Testing Programs.
Allan Kehler is a highly sought-after motivational speaker. He is a best-selling author, and sheds light on the prevalent issues of addictions, stress, and mental health. After spending years persevering through his own mental health issues and substance use, Allan made a decision to use his own life experiences to assist others. Allan’s professional experience includes clinical case manager, addictions counselor and instructor at several colleges. Drawing from both these personal and professional experiences, Allan confidently conveys how to create a safe, compassionate, and supportive environment that proactively addresses issues of mental wellness.
On Monday, August 26, we launched our updated reporting statuses as outlined in the document link below. In our continued effort to refine our service offerings to serve you better, we are streamlining our reporting of fitness-for-duty determinations. In addition to the status changes, will be reporting all occupational results independently of the alcohol and/or drug results as a standard process, unless otherwise specified and requested in writing.